A ‘PARKLET’ that has arrived in Prestatyn - which offers space for people to rest or for extra seating - has attracted mixed reviews from residents.

It is understood Denbighshire County Council have introduced and funded ‘parklets’, described as small public pavement extensions, as part of the Covid response to help the High Street.

However, the arrival of such street furniture has caused considerable discussion in Prestatyn with some residents amazed at its design and questioning if it will promote social distancing.

One resident, Allyson Evans, said: “It appeared sometime just before Christmas. I thought it was roadworks.

“No one in their right mind would sit there as as for social distancing...What about the rest of the High Street? Another is planned for outside The Hideaway further up.

“I agree in principle that outside seating is a good idea but do we have to have this and where its situated?”

Cllr Anton Sampson, town and county councillor, said the Prestatyn business forum met up with Denbighshire County Council, as part of the town recovery scheme, and the subject of ‘parklets’ and ‘passing places’ was discussed.

He added: “This was seen as a positive proposal and was met with approval.

“The next stage was a meeting with an officer and three ward county councilors, including myself.

“The first question I asked was whether they could be readily removed if they were unsuitable or presented any problems, to which the answer was yes. The next step was for officers to liaise with the business owners and get their feedback.

“We appreciated that everything was very time sensitive but we were expecting to see some designs before the next steps were taken.”

Cllr Sampson said the corner - where the parklet is located - is not up to the standard he expected.

“It is not attractive at all,” he said.

“I would suggest that unless a proposal is put forward that is aesthetically pleasing, then it would be preferable that they be removed.

“I do support the build outs that are proposed further up the High Street, which I believe would create a good alfresco atmosphere and support businesses, but we must be creative and make it look fantastic.

“Prestatyn is bucking the trend as far as new businesses is concerned and we have been very successful.

“As chairman of community development and regeneration, it is my priority to support our local businesses to the full.

“We have to think outside of the box sometimes and the journey isn’t always smooth but we have to hold our hands up when it’s not perfect and tweak what are well intended ideas.

“We are determined to come out of this pandemic to a destination town with revitalised and thriving high street that is our lifeblood.”

Cllr Paul Penlington, of Prestatyn North, said: "Most elected members in Prestatyn knew nothing about this until it suddenly appeared on the High Street.

"Having questioned Denbighshire County Council Highways they tell me it was approved by town centre ward members and will be a seating area for an adjacent catering business to enable social distancing.

"Personally I think it is unsightly and a potential trip hazard.

"I doubt many people will ever choose to sit in the road at a busy junction, especially in this monstrosity.

"It is an ill thought out waste of public money that could have been better spent elsewhere."

A spokesperson for Denbighshire County Council said: “Work began before Christmas on a temporary scheme to widen two short sections of footway on Prestatyn High Street to help people to follow social distancing rules while visiting the town.

“This scheme will also allow space for hospitality businesses to place outdoor seating for customers.

“We spoke with local county councillors, Prestatyn Business Forum and nearby businesses before work commenced. The scheme has been funded by Welsh Government through its Covid sustainable transport funding.”