A PROMINENT beachside café’s failure to reopen for the start of the summer season has prompted concern among community leaders.

Denbighshire County Council says it is hopeful that Cafe Cymru, which is located at the Central Beach, just a few yards from the end of the Offa’s Dyke path, will be operating again before the end of this month.

But Prestatyn town councillor Martyn Poller, who is the new chair of that authority’s community and regeneration development committee, said: “The fact that the café is not open just gives a ridiculous view of the town.”

Denbighshire County Council took possession of the café in late April this year after the business that previously ran it, Cafe Cymru (Prestatyn) Ltd, was dissolved.

Plans are now in place for it to be operated by the adjacent Nova leisure centre.

However, Cllr Poller, who represents the North West ward on the town council, said: “What I’m worried about is... when residents and visitors see something that is shut and they tell others, it gives a damaging view.

“I don’t think the fact that is is going to be part of the Nova offer is a good thing.

“We are again heading to a poorly-thought-out solution where the council just hand it off.

“It needs to be open now – not the end of June – for these prime weekends. I want to say to the council to stop messing about and to get trade flowing.

“Everything is in place. In my view, it wouldn’t take long to get it up and running.

“Prestatyn is a tourist town and what people experience when they are in our town defines the memories they will take home to share with people.

“If their experiences are not good and shaped with negative images, it can only be bad for our town’s image.”

Andrea Tomlin, Prestatyn town councillor for the central ward and vice chair of the community and regeneration development committee, said: “We want to see Denbighshire County Council act both quickly and effectively in handling this unfortunate situation.”

A spokesman for Denbighshire County Council said: “The council are now in full possession of the unit which, going forward, will form part of an extended Nova offer.

“We are currently reviewing options with management and our food and beverage provider with the intentions of having something in place for this season by mid to late June.”