The Day to Day

Hail to the Chief!

Wed, 15 Oct 2008 15:49:24 +0000

HE'S a bit of an odd chap, our chief constable here in North Wales. It could seem, to an outsider that Richard Brunstrom is a man incapable of making up his mind and remembering his own decisions and statements. First, it was the debacle over whether or not he will retire next year. Shark jokes aside, there was great rejoicing throughout the land, when this August, he said in an interview that he will be retiring by Christmas 2009 for a life of messing about in boats on the seven seas. The jubilation of motorists was short-lived, however, as later that month he denied ever having mentioned retirement. The comments had been made live on a BBC TV programme. Hard to deny, but he managed it. In December 2007, Mr Brunstrom, who was made a druid in 2006, told the nation that he broke into his own headquarters to "test security." Scaling the outside of the building using scaffolding placed there for repairs, Mr Brunstrom entered through an open window. It transpired later, that the chief merely had a faulty key fob for the doors. Only last week it was reported that Mr Brunstrom, himself an Englishman, wanted to remove the were "Police" from all the police cars in his bailiwick, leaving only the Welsh word, "Heddlu." Regardless of whether or not this was a good idea, his press office people obviously didn't think it was and rushed out a press release saying that the ageing copper had raised "rhetorical questions" and that "There are no proposals for related changes to our current Welsh language policy or indeed the vehicle livery. If any such changes were to be made, full consultation would take place prior to this." In other words, he didn't mean it. Many, many times, when we at the Visitor have contacted the police press office to get updates on mundane things such as crimes, there's no-one there to take our call. When there is, they often take several days to give us an answer. I can't help but wonder, if the press officers of North Wales Police spend most of their working hours checking up on their boss and issuing implausible excuses for incomprehensible actions.

The Secret's Out

Wed, 17 Sep 2008 11:31:51 +0000

"We are not down and outs. We are just trying to make Rhyl better." The words of Geraldine Hughes during last Tuesday's Secret Millionaire rang true for many people in the struggling seaside town, particularly those who've lived in the West End for more than five minutes. As a man who grew up in Rhyl, went to school in Rhyl and until last week was sat editing the Visitor from Rhyl High Street, I have written many times about its problems, as well as the wonderful people who work hard to make it a better place. But watching this Channel Four programme left a bitter taste in the mouth. Millionaire Gavin Wheeldon hopped off the train and was met by two closed pubs - Costigans and the Bee and Station. He was then accosted by a group of lads with Manchester accents, who complained about not being able to find a job. What struck me was the girl on a bicycle, who rather than get off it and help hard-working Geraldine with the new community house, slated the town and told poor Gavin to "sort it out". Before "sorting out" the dilapidated buildings, empty properties and boarded-up buildings, we should perhaps address Rhyl's fundamental problem - the people. Watching Secret Millionaire was frustrating, with the millionaire in question only managing to find a handful of individuals he could help. Over past weeks, the other millionaires visit equally run-down communities but there were an abundance of groups and organisations, striving to make their lives better. We don't have that in Rhyl. There are some, a few diamonds among the rough - the likes of Jack Baker, Lee Barlow and Tony Cheetham - but they are few and far between. Instead, Rhyl is cursed with those who refuse to work, drink for most of the day and complain about their lot. I am in no way xenophobic or closed-minded but it's been well-documented that the area has been overrun by newcomers from the Midlands and North West, here for the cheap rent. They see Denbighshire County Council as a soft touch - they may be right. Why would they want to join a community group and better the place? They have no affinity with Rhyl. It's a horrible place, why should they bother? Many of them move to this resort, and then resort to crime. While I was, on the whole, proud of what I watched last Tuesday - proud of the likes of Geraldine and Jack - I was overwhelmed and emotional at how my town - our town - has fallen so greatly. I just hope local town and county councillors were watching, especially as it was up to Gavin to point West Rhyl Community Group in the direction of Lottery funding. He was amazed at how a quarter of the properties in the West End were empty, yet Rhyl has a problem with homelessness. He's right, and I admired the fact he was no easy mark. He wasn't going to waste his money on those who refuse to help themselves. I was delighted to see the guys at the Labour Club - a club my own grandad used to run - strive to keep it going, and the young girl who wants to go to college and better her life. Good for her, I wish her every success. I'm proud to be from Rhyl. If everyone in the town was equally proud it may start moving in the right direction. Hopefully the Secret Millionaire was the straw that broke the council's back. I pray they give the town the support it needs so Rhyl can welcome a new era and we can put the last 15 years behind us."

Booting Wellington

Wed, 03 Sep 2008 11:25:41 +0000

"DON'T forget about us." That's the cry of business owners in Rhyl's West End, who are tired of being ignored by shoppers, tourists and, most importantly, council bosses. There are dozens of shops along Wellington Road and its surrounding streets, but very few people know about them. On strolling down Bedford Street the other day I found a cake shop, a barber, a record store, conveniences and a dog grooming service. If you just stroll between KFC and Aldi you'll find dozens of stores, the occasional pub, food outlet and hairdresser. These outlets are struggling to survive because there is no signage to support them, and footfall is low. There is nowhere to park - unless you have a Blue Badge of course - and the area looks like hell, if hell had overgrown seagulls and a traffic warden. The punters do not walk through this area of Rhyl unless they have to, and it's a pity, particularly when you stroll down Rhyl High Street and glance at your reflection in several empty shop windows. With millions being pumped onto West Parade, perhaps a little cash could be syphoned-off and spent on sprucing up these West End properties with plants and flowers, maybe the odd lick of paint or grants to help them revamp the fascias and fronts of their ailing properties. I met with several of these entrepreneurs recently and was amazed at the diversity of products on sale, and how they stick together and battle to survive. It's admirable, and they deserve your support. Next time you're out shopping, go and take a look.

Grange hotel - six months on

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 09:33:47 +0000

It is now almost six months since Rhyl's once famous Grange Hotel was gutted by fire. 12 fire engines and 80 firefighters attended the blaze on West Parade in March and a 45 year old man was hospitalised. It is believed that homeless people had been staying in the derelict building and that candles used for light had set fire to the soft furnishings. This week The Visitor took a tour of the building.

Rain, don't go away.

Thu, 21 Aug 2008 09:29:32 +0000

Strolling over Vale Road bridge into work this morning - the rain battering down on passing cars, soaking my clothes and emptying the streets ahead - I couldn't help but smile. Why, you may ask? Well, this weather and a subsequent breeze filled my senses with what could be. The smell of the seaside, salty air and a waft of the ocean really brightened what can be one of the most depressing three-minute walks you'll ever experience. Looking down on Rhyl High Street is depressing; it's a landscape that will never take your breath away (for the right reasons, anyway). Your gaze is often met by whirlwind of litter, empty buildings and, these days, the occasional beggar. But when it's quiet, when you can soak up the atmosphere, sense the water and unlock this town's potential - it does give you a sense of hope. Things are moving forward, and I pray that one day this same short amble will include a view of the beach, as it once did, before concrete and rusting metal barred our relationship with that once-glorious seafront. The Grange has gone, so has Bar Blu, the funfair, the Coliseum Theatre and a raft of attractions. But the beach remains, and if we can deliver it back to the required cleanliness levels, and tear down the wall that hides it away, it will once again be our greatest asset.

Going to the Zu

Wed, 13 Aug 2008 12:40:16 +0000

Rhyl's latest nightspot - the Zubar - is set to open tomorrow night (Thursday), giving punters an alternative place to dance, mingle and enjoy a few drinks after midnight. Since Bar Blu's closure the Honey Club/Billy's is the only venue left in the town, though revellers will find several late bars open after the pubs close. The Visitor is inviting readers to send their pictures from the opening night. We'll publish the best in the paper, and online. E-mail them to martin.williams@northwalesnews.co.uk or drop them in to the Visitor, 84 High Street, Rhyl, LL18 1UB. Thanks....

Dog Tired

Fri, 08 Aug 2008 12:05:13 +0000

FOR months I've been barking on about the number of dogs tied up around the area. Like many, I'm appalled at how people can leave them to jump around and snap at passers-by, driving workers, shoppers and tourists crazy with incessant yelping and snarls of distress. If you're bored of reading about it this subject then turn away. If you're fed-up of watching their proud owners being dragged around our towns by pitbulls and Rottweilers, then stick with me. For starters, who takes their canine for a walk in a shopping centre? Why not go to the park or the beach? Simple. They're a status symbol - they must be seen. Anyway, mustn't worry, or so I thought - Denbighshire's trusted dog wardens will sort the problem out. In fact, I asked them a series of questions on the issue: l Which dogs are classed as "violent" and need a muzzle? l Is there a time limit on how long a dog can be tied up to a lamppost or fence? l Who or what decides where the warden is based? l Are they aware of the issue of unmuzzled pitbull terriers and Rottweilers being tied up in Rhyl and left for hours? I'd called several times and had no response from the warden. I wanted to ask why they spend so little time in Rhyl, when Rhyl is the busiest town in the county. Anyway, a week or so after my e-mail, I received the following from the council: l They argue that there are four types of dog named by the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991: Pitbull terrier; Japanese Tosa; the Dogo Argentino; and the Fila Braziliero. l The two wardens are not responsible for dogs tied-up on our streets, as they only deal with strays. This is a matter for the RSPCA, as "the role of the dog wardens is multi tasked and includes pest control duties as well". l Work is distributed each morning by the senior officer for that section, and they do respond to calls from the general public regarding stray dogs roaming in a public place. l Dangerous dogs are dealt with by the Police Authority, and dog wardens will assist if required, but only during normal working hours. And finally: "The comment made by several business owners that they are fed up with dog owners tying up their animals and walking off sometimes in the rain or even sunshine would be again a matter for the RSPCA." So tax payers fund two dog wardens and the responsibilities you'd expect them to fulfil are under the remit of North Wales Police Authority and RSPCA? What exactly are pest control duties? Are dog wardens now catching rats? I think not. This is ruff justice! Talk about passing the buck.

Pay your tribute to Gareth Ryles

Wed, 06 Aug 2008 10:28:42 +0000

GARETH Ryles, a Rhyl man who emigrated to France has died after falling 30ft onto a French motorway. Living his dream, with ambitions to eventually travel all around the world, the 25 year old's tragic death has hit many who knew him, hard. Educated at Ysgol Mair and Emrys ap Iwan, Gareth trained as a builder in Deeside before moving to France in November 2006. He had many friends in North Wales and on the continent. His, Bebe, was found dead on the motorway at the same spot a week later. Gareth's funeral will be held at 2pm on Friday August 8 at Prestatyn Parish Church. Family flowers only and donations to St Kentigern's Hospice. If you have any messages for Gareth and his family, please leave them below. Thank you.

Goodbye Megan

Tue, 29 Jul 2008 15:01:20 +0000

The tragic death of little Megan Burgess has touched thousands of Visitor readers across the region. Megan was killed near her home on Ffordd Penrhwylfa, Meliden, on Saturday, when a breeze block wall toppled as she was walking with her mum Lindsay and younger brother Wilson. It is believed that the six foot wall was holding up a large bank of earth, but it is not known if this caused the collapse. By Monday morning the site of the tragedy was stacked with flowers, dolls, gifts, cards and wreaths. Megan's parents Lindsay and Peter were too distraught to speak directly to the Visitor but released a statement this week. "Meg was such a special girl. We'd both felt we wouldn't have her for long. She knew how people felt and brought so much happiness to those who needed it," they said. "She was best friend to Mummy, Daddy and her brother Wilson. She loved to hold our hands, sing, smile and have all the fun in the world. "Everything was perfect yesterday morning, a real peaceful feeling like she knew. We love you Meg, you taught us how to live our lives." Please leave your messages for Megan and her family below. Thank you.

Fuel for thought

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 10:42:15 +0000

THE rising price of fuel is hitting us all hard. The Government are squeezing household spending and we are on the brink of recession if you listen to the political pundits and doom-mongers. I'm not an economist so I can only speak from my experiences, but this week a stroke of bad luck as a result of a misjudgement on my part led to several acts of kindness. Like most of you I thought I knew the limits of my car's fuel tank. When that yellow light rears its ugly head I should have enough to get me from here to there - or so I thought. On returning to my car the other day I sat down and turned over the engine. Nothing. I tried again and the poor thing coughed into life, before I managed to turn it around and limp the 100 yards to Rhyl's Morrisons petrol station. I could see it's bright yellow visage glistening in the afternoon sun, before the engine cut out again and left me stranded, right in the entrance to the supermarket car park. This is where panic sets in, and when I caught sight of a taxi driver in the rear view mirror - as they're not noted for their patience on the roads - it heightened my concern. Then, to my surprise and delight, the chap got out of his vehicle and pushed me and my car into the petrol station. He zoomed off before I had a chance to say thank you. Then, around 20 yards from the pump, I got out to roll in and fill-up. There was no need. A charming young man got out of his car to push me again, as did the lady in the vehicle behind me. I'd like to think I'd have done the same for them, but in a world packed full of grunting, snarling individuals with complete disregard for manners, politeness and generosity, I was expecting nothing less than to have to do this myself, as I have before. I was pleasantly surprised. No, if I'm honest I was a little overwhelmed. It's small consolation, but for me at least one decent thing came out of the current situation. If you're reading this - thank you. You made my day.

Belly Good Time

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 15:52:50 +0000

See Your Vale reporter David Simister and Visitor advertising supremo Hollie Cope-Jones belly dance in the latest in our Visitor's Got Talent series:

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Feeling Blue

Wed, 09 Jul 2008 15:07:08 +0000

WE must address some of the problems in Rhyl town centre. Besides the obvious issues - corpulent seagulls and ignorant dog owners - the amount of people with Blue Badges and mobility scooters is surely a matter for discussion. Today (Wednesday) I counted 23 vehicles parked on Wellington Road - between the betting shop and florist - and the bottom of Rhyl High Street, all with said badges. On walking between the Visitor office and clock tower I was passed by four scooters. So that's a minimum of 27 disabled people in a small area of the High Street. Looking around the shops and cafes I couldn't see anyone in a wheelchair, or with a guide dog or walking stick, so what's the deal here? I spotted a few elderly shoppers, but if you can traipse around town all day then you can stroll from a nearby side-street or car park. Denbighshire County Council says you can apply for a Blue Badge if you: l Receive the higher rate of the mobility component of the Disability Living Allowance. l Receive a War Pensioners' Mobility Supplement. l Are registered blind. l Have a severe disability in both upper limbs, regularly drive a motor vehicle but cannot turn the steering wheel of a motor vehicle by hand. l Have a permanent and substantial disability which means you are unable to walk or have very considerable difficulty in walking. l Are aged 80 years or older. I'm sorry but I don't buy it. Every day, dozens and dozens of cars and scooters are parking up on Rhyl High Street and taking the proverbial. It's out of order. And having spoken to people with real disabilities, I know it annoys them too. They are given a bad name because others take liberties with the politically-correct climate of modern Britain. "You can't be bothered getting off your backside, ok here's a Blue Badge mate, use it when you go shopping." If you're reading this and you have a disability, then you know this is not aimed at you. It's aimed at the many who take advantage of the system. They are the real problem.

Bohemians Rhapsody

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 14:40:48 +0000

Hundreds of visiting Irish football fans were met by dozens of police in riot gear outside Rhyl's Belle Vue ground on Saturday, following the Bohemian FC victory over the Lilywhites. Read more in this week's Visitor or click on the video above.

Dirt Track King...

Wed, 25 Jun 2008 11:25:07 +0000

THE car looked like a toy. A battered 40 year old mini pickup with no windows, no lights, no upholstery, no windscreen and only two gears. Inside, it was smaller than it looked and as my 6ft 4��? frame was manoeuvred into the driving seat, not only did my head bash the ceiling, but my knees actually managed to bend the steering wheel. I had driven, massively hungover from a wedding in Preston, to a field outside Prestatyn, where, in the best interests of the newspaper and our readers I was due to take part in two off road races at the Prestatyn Circuit North Wales Mud Oval Racing Club. For those not familiar with the sport or the club, it's basically stock car racing - stripped down MOT failures, being flung round a racing track and spraying huge clouds of dust or waves of mud into the faces of the opposition drivers. It's ace to watch and as I found out, it's even better to take part in. So there I was, strapped in behind the wheel of an antique mini - a 30 year class racing veteran, that would probably cost in the region on £9,000 to replace if I binned it. The blue flag drops and off I go, wheels spinning furiously as I speed away. I quickly catch one of my opponents and overtake on the inside. Eat my dust, sucker! The advantage is temporarily mine and the mini takes the first and second corners perfectly. I rule. I am a racing god. Or maybe not, the straight requires foot down second gear action and the light car starts to spin, weave and drift. I had expected this, but I wasn't prepared and backed off the accelerator. Quickly overtaken by the opposition, I have proved that I do not, as previously thought, have balls of steel. Five laps later to my great joy, nobody has yet lapped me and on seeing the finishing flag I immediately stop. In the wrong place. Never mind. My second race, an hour later was in a borrowed Peugeot 205 with a massive 1400cc engine and an extravagant cooling system, involving two large fans in the boot and an electric light switch. Much the same as before except faster, more furious and I had to almost come to a standstill as the maxxed out tyres failed to grip on the slippy surface - yet more evidence of my lack of masculinity. I came last in both of my races, but to be honest, I couldn't care less - It was great fun - frantic adrenaline pumping fun. And as safe as sitting at home, playing racing games on an X-box. All the cars are fitted with roll cages and carry a maximum two gallons of fuel so even if you hit the barriers and flip over in the air, you're not likely to be injured. The club, which has been going for over 20 years meets at Pydew Farm and meets up every second Sunday during the season. In August, teams from England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales will descend on Prestatyn to thrash, smash and crash their vehicles during the two-day Bank Holiday weekend spectacular. Visitors are encouraged to camp overnight in the field where there will also be a hog roast. Members of the public will be able to take part in the events in one of six specially-built cars, and money raised from races and donations will go to the Wish Upon a Star Foundation. More information is available on the club's website: www.prestatynracecircuit.piczo.com, or e-mail Taj120@hotmail.co.uk Come along and watch or have a go - it rocks and it's way better than mountain biking.

Joe Public

Tue, 24 Jun 2008 13:20:05 +0000

For proof that it's money and not love that conquers all, read the latest on our very own Welsh boxing world champion - Joe Calzaghe. Joe has ended his association with promoter Frank Warren, according to this BBC report. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/boxing/7469896.stm