We like to have a good rant here at the Visitor, especially when something annoys us.
But now and again you can't help but be surprised and proud of the world around you.
I'm talking about Rhyl.
And yes, among the dross and litter congregating in this sleepy little seaside town, there are hidden pockets of bliss. Little gems that need polishing and bringing to the fore.
On my lunch break today (Thursday) I weaved around the seagulls, pushchairs and swearing teens (Oh I do love the school holidays) and made my toward the promenade.
I'm born and bred in Rhyl so I know where I am and what to expect, but this afternoon was different.
Once I'd traipsed along High Street, past the pointless Children's Village and the Berlin Wall behind the cinema, I stumbled upon our glorious seafront. I’d not been down there for over a year, like many I’ve just taken it for granted and forgotten it exists.
How gorgeous is that beach on a sunny day? I was mesmerised.
Cynics reading this may feel I'm being over-the-top and a little pathetic. Maybe.
But like many Visitor readers I love this town to death. It has so many flaws but so many great attributes.
If we could only get the green light to demolish the Children’s Village, that wall, the pointless bridge and paper-filled waterfall then we could bring back some shred of dignity to this place.
We don't need all these 'attractions'.
Flatten them.
Level the whole area, leave the aquarium, the cinema, the theatre and the Suncentre. Even the Drift Park.
I want to walk along the promenade and see that golden sand.
Last summer I wrote a story about how Rhyl was no longer a tourist resort and how it must move with the times.
I still believe that, but I also believe people will come here and enjoy a day out by the seaside. If only they could get anywhere near it.
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Jenny Scott wrote...
Too right! In pride of place at Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery are two stunning 19th century paintings of Rhyl Sands. People used to flock to the beach at Rhyl as a valued place of natural beauty - bring back the old days.
Posted by: Jenny Scott | April 1, 2008 6:27 PM