RESIDENTS are celebrating the demolition of a Rhyl ‘eyesore’.
Work has started on pulling down the derelict store on the corner of Abbey Street and Aquarium Street in Rhyl.
The news has been greeted with approval by nearby residents, who remember the shop as “Rhyl’s biggest receiver of stolen goods” after it was emblazoned with the controversial grafitti message a few years ago.
Michael Roberts, 57, who has lived in the area for 20 years, said: “It’s been an eyesore and a problem for the community for a while. My neighbours share the same opnion. It’s great that it’s finally coming down.”
Mr Roberts said he was concerned that the land might be turned into a car park, but Denbighshire Council said that 98 per cent of those questioned wanted a green space.
The land will be maintained as part of a joint partnership project with Rhyl Adventure Playground and Young People undertaking Future Jobs Fund Training.
Cllr David Thomas, Lead Member for Regeneration, Tourism and Housing said: “Regeneration is one of Denbighshire’s top four priorities and the demolition of this eyesore, which will then be replaced with a green space for residents to enjoy, forms part of a much wider and far reaching plan to regenerate this area for the benefit of all.”
Chris Ruane, MP for Vale of Clwyd, said: “Many people have approached me asking what is going on in Rhyl and now I hope that the start of the demolition off this much maligned grot spot shows that there is a lot of work going on behind the scenes.”
“Too many of the national media have come down and used this building and others to give a negative impression of Rhyl which still has so much to offer and I am pleased to see this work commence.”