Rhyl rejects 'worst seaside town' label as fans highlight positives

The town scored bottom in a list of 20 UK seaside resorts in the Telegraph, a story that was amplified earlier this month by the Mirror.

But town residents have rejected the title, adding the while it needs real investment and support, Rhyl's people make it one of most friendly resorts in Britain. 

"I'm biased but I believe Rhyl is the best place in the world," said Chad Jones, owner of Sacrament Tattoo on Queen Street.

"I was born and bred here - I even refused to move to Benidorm with my dad because I love it here so much."

Rhyl fan: Chad Jones of Sacrament Tattoo loves his town (Image: Alec Doyle, Newsquest)

The Mirror recounted the challenges Rhyl has faced since the 1970's, when package holidays triggered a fall in the overall popularity of UK seaside resorts.

Among the key highlights it blamed for Rhyl's struggles were the closure of the Victorian Pier and pavilion. It also reflected on more recent challenges including the closure of SC2 following damage to the roof, the failure to open the Queens Market and the closure of the SeaQuarium - which drew 80,000 visitors each year.

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But supporters of the town say there are still plenty of positives. A visit to Tripadvisor reveals praise for Rhyl's cultural offerings, public spaces and friendly welcome.

"Great place for locals, " wrote Angela from Prestatyn about Rhyl Pavilion Theatre. "Nice to have a theatre on the doorstep. Good selection of drinks and snacks and option to have pre-show dinner in the 1891 restaurant."

Another visitor from Kidderminster under the username Steviefull, was full of praise for Rhyl Beach.

"A little walk from the Lyons Robin Hood Caravan Site and you are on Rhyl Beach," he wrote. "A nice, clean, dog friendly beach is what greets you. The kids had a great time in the sea and collecting seashells, the simple pleasures in life."

So what is holding Rhyl back? 

"I think the biggest problem is that so little is open," said student Megan Johnson. "We're in the summer season and so many attractions and shops are either shut or empty."

"Rhyl could be better," added Emma Hoppley. "If there were more activities other than the arcades I think people would have a better opinion of the place."

"I understand why Rhyl has scored so low but if you look past some of the issues it's got potential," said Libby Brown.

Room for improvement: Students Megan Johnson, Emma Hoppley and Libby Brown felt Rhyl had potential, but needs to offer more. (Image: Alec Doyle, Newsquest)

Already one of the town's strongest cheerleaders, Chad said he has been working to revitalise its offering but has found support scarce.

"I'm part of the team behind the Rhyller Thriller Horror Film Festival, there are lots of people trying to get things off the ground not only to attract visitors but for local people too," he said.

"The one thing that makes it really difficult is there is no support for these initiatives. In other towns and cities like Cardiff, Manchester, Liverpool, the local authorities get behind cultural events and initiatives to drive them and make them a success.

"We don't get that same level of support and we'd love to, because if we did we could really show people how great Rhyl is. 

"I've never had a better night out. You never feel unsafe and you always make new friends. I'll be honest, I love going down to the arcades too. Before you know it you've lost a couple of hours in there and I know I should know better, but it's just fun isn't it!

"It's too easy for these national media folk to throw these labels out but all I would ask them is this - have you ever actually been to Rhyl?"

The closed splash park at Rhyl's SC2 (Image: Alec Doyle, Newsquest)

Not everyone in Rhyl had such a positive view of the town however. Locals Georgina and Ebony Pierce felt more needed to be done to improve law and order and make it shine again.

"There is too much anti-social behaviour and I think that helps give Rhyl its reputation," said Ebony. "I do think that the town needs help. The market sitting empty on the front is really not helping and neither is the SC2 remaining shut."

"The high street is vile," added Georgina. "It really needs cleaning up and it's a real shame. You look at Towyn and Prestatyn and they are heaving at this time of year and Rhyl is still struggling."

It seems that Rhyl unwanted title may also not be the end of the story. Consumer magazine Which published another listing last week awarding the UK's worst seaside town crown to Bangor in Gwynedd.