A CRACKDOWN on antisocial behaviour has been blamed for drinkers plaguing a church entrance.
Diana Hannam, Rhyl County Councilor, claimed a dispersal order banning drunks from Rhyl railway station and Kinmel Street before Christmas pushed people onto the grounds of St Thomas’ Church.
She said: “A couple of people who have been moved on started going into the entrance of the church, where they stood drinking. I found that absolutely abhorrent.
“Ecclesiastical land is private. Shifting people around is not dealing with the problem.
“If residents wanted to go to church to light a candle or enjoy a spiritual quiet moment, they had to walk through these people.
“That makes me passionately angry. There are some things you don’t do, like violating the sanctity of the church.”
Reverend John Glover of the St Asaph Diocese, who leads services at the church, said he felt sorry for the people congragating in the porch.
He said: “There’s a problem in Rhyl with about half a dozen men who tend to drink cider. It’s really sad. These men have obviously got difficulties.
“However we did have a discussion with the police. They spoke to the men in question, who acted on it. As of last week they went away from the church grounds and it’s hoped they will not return.”
A North Wales Police spokeswoman said the force was made aware of the issue, where a number of individuals were gathering in the foyer to drink, and attended the scene on a number of occasions.
She said: “The matter has seemed to have resolved itself over the past week.”