RHYL Rugby Club chairman Richard Greenwood has quashed reports that one of the area’s largest and community centres was closing down.

Rhyl Rugby Sports and Social Club on Vale Road, was said to be closing its doors after almost 20 years when the venue was purchased by Wellspring Christian Centre in December.

However, Greenwood confirmed that the facility remains fully operational from Monday to Saturday and it is “business as usual.”

He said: “Nineteen community groups currently use the building, from the NHS Blood Transfusion Service, to weekly special needs discos, a ladies’ choir and local darts teams. I have never seen a rugby club with so much community involvement and this will continue to be the case at Vale Road.”

The club will move from its current base at The Waen, Rhuddlan, to Tynewydd Field as part of a huge regeneration project headed up by the former-England rugby player.

He confirmed that the site is coming along very well and that all the groups who currently use the facilities on Vale Road and the Waen have expressed a wish to follow on to Tynewydd Field.

The playing surfaces have already been laid and the construction phase began in late November and will continue until autumn.

The new facility comprises of two hospitality lounges, bars, meeting rooms, catering facilities and changing rooms. As well as being a centre of rugby excellence, the new Tynewydd Field’s principal function will be as a community centre, which will accommodate current users and will provide a valuable social asset for the surrounding community.

“I am excited about the move later in the year, but until then the Vale Road site will continue to be open for breakfast, lunch and dinner,” added Greenwood.

“The main function room caters for 150 diners and all functions are assured of the warmest possible welcome throughout 2018, until the seamless transition to Tynewydd Field.”