Alcohol bans and anti-harassment measures may be implemented in a seaside town plagued by antisocial behaviour. A three-year Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) is being proposed for Rhyl town centre, Denbighshire.
If green-lighted, the PSPO would be the town’s third since 2016. Police figures in the year to May 2022 showed Rhyl High Street had more anti-social complaints than any other road in North Wales.
Residents in parts of the town complain their lives have been made “hell” by youths smashing windows, climbing on cars and fighting in streets. Much work has been done already to tackle the issues such as help for the homeless, alcohol services and the re-opening of Rhyl Youth Centre.
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Since the first PSPO was introduced in 2016, Denbighshire Council said anti-social behaviour has fallen by around a quarter. Despite this, a 24-hour dispersal order was needed early last year and the local authority said anti-social behaviour rates “remain high”.
It has launched a public consultation on a new PSPO to gather views from residents and businesses. This, said Cllr Rhys Thomas, lead member for housing and communities, would give North Wales Police an “additional tool” to address the issues.
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Cllr Thomas said: “Anti-social behaviour is an important issue that needs to be addressed in the area. We are keen to hear the public’s views on the matter in order for us to ensure that our public protection measures in Rhyl suit the needs of the area. We would encourage anyone currently living in Rhyl, or who has previously lived in the area, to take part in this consultation.”
The proposed PSPO would cover the town centre from John Street to Bath Street, plus a stretch of East Parade and seafront up to Royal Alexandra Hospital. It would extend inland to include the town’s train and bus stations.
The measure could remain in place for up to three years. Under a previous PSPO, anyone causing antisocial behaviour or drinking alcohol could be banned from the town centre for up to 48 hours.
Denbighshire Council said anti-social behaviour in the High Street area is “unfair and harmful” to residents, businesses and visitors. North Wales Police figures show that in the 12 months to May 2022, there were 137 complaints about anti-social behaviour on Rhyl High Street. This followed 2021 statistics suggesting Rhyl North was the “most dangerous” area of North Wales with the highest rate of violence and sexual offences.
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Yet many residents and visitors feel Rhyl gets a bad rap. It has an eye-catching seafront and many in the community say they feel safe when walking the streets, with problems focussed only in pockets of the town.
This week brought disappointment for the resort with news that Rhyl SeaQuarium is to close permanently. This summer a row erupted between the council and the popular tourist attraction over the impact of coastal defence works on seals and other animals at the centre.
To take part in the consultation, visit the council’s County Conversations website. Comments must be submitted by January 21, 2024.
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