Council moves to town centre

First up for the council is a move from its base on Wellington Road to Rhyl Town Hall.

The switch comes with a new town clerk, Helen Mead, following the retirement of Gareth Nickels. The council will now occupy some downstairs space for hosting council meetings and serving as a base for the supporting team of officers. The move is the start of a fresh chapter for the team, including new clerk, Helen.

Previously the deputy clerk, Helen has been with the council for many years and is joined at the town hall by deputy clerk Tracey Jones, finance officer Andrew Williams, and communications officer Rachael Wheatley. Helen said the winds of change were blowing, and the council was looking to the future.

“Making the change to the town hall makes sense on many levels and puts the council at the heart of Rhyl. Times are changing throughout town, and so is this council’s vision. “The council is currently identifying its priorities and areas of focus for the next few years. We are clear that those should be about supporting the community, our residents and businesses and it was felt that moving closer to the centre of town was important to help achieve this.”

The council is already supporting services in Rhyl that have been under threat due to Denbighshire County Council's budget constraints, including providing funding to keep public toilet facilities open in the town.

“We are not complacent,” said Helen, “and there is much to be done with competing priorities throughout town. We face some of the same difficulties as many other high street towns and seaside resorts, as well as some that are unique to us.

“Town council powers are limited compared to those of the county council, but what Rhyl does have is a community – an army of people who are working wonders. So, we have been looking at what we can do to help support that work, where we can take pressure off already squeezed services, potentially fill any funding gaps, or use our voices to push for change.”

The council will be releasing more details over the coming weeks, including plans for public engagement to enable the community to share their thoughts on town priorities. Helen added: “Council is currently finalising its future strategy which focusses on key areas and will unveil more in the fullness of time. But it is safe to say that, at the heart of this, are the people and businesses of Rhyl. It is important as we move forward that those voices are reflected in our decision-making process.”