THE promenade's last 'silent soldier' monument has been saved.

The original 'Tommy' silhouette, which was installed following a capaign organised by Rhyl Royal British Legion volunteer Richard Kendrick, was intially believed to have stolen.

However, the metal composite sculpture had in fact been retrieved by Denbighshire Country Council during the February storms and was being kept safe at the Rhyl Harbour boatyard.

A spokesperson for Denbighshire County Council said: “During the winter storms the sculpture was found by Council staff whilst carrying out safety checks along the promenade.

"The sculpture had been damaged and was causing a hazard to pedestrians. It was subsequently taken to Rhyl Harbour boatyard until the owner could be informed.”

Rhyl Journal:

The original monument was installed on the waterfront in March 2018 before being decapitated by vandals two months later. In response Mark Little of Evadx in Kinmel Bay created a metal replacement while Dyserth Chainsaw Artist Ian Murray carved his own out of wood.

The metal sculpture was stolen in February 2019, Mr Murray’s monument was relocated by David Carlisle, former owner of the cafe.

Mr Kendrick said: "I'm so relieved to have it back.

"It was awful losing one last year, but to lose two? But Tommy is back home now, all done and dusted, and it's nice to know he wasn't taken."

With the help of cllr Brian Jones and Kwik Weld on Cefndy Road, the statue is due to be repaired and Mr Kendrick hopes to have it erected once more next week, poentially in a new location to be determined.

Rhyl’s fallen soldiers have vanished from the promenade during lockdown.

All three of the ‘silent soldier’ silhouettes, organised by Rhyl Royal British Legion volunteer Richard Kendrick in 2018, have now been removed from outside the Beachside Cafe.

Mr Kendrick said: “All three silent soldiers have now gone.

“I know one went to a new home but the other two have been taken.

“I Have spoken to a police officer who says last one disappeared a few weeks ago.”

More to follow.