A COMMUNITY association in Rhyl has been praised for its work in helping to provide weekly activities to hundreds of people across the town.

During lockdown Ffordd Las Community Centre has undergone a programme of works that improved the space for dozens of activity and support groups that use it.

The centre is run by the Rhyl Community Association (RCA), which also runs the Wellington Road and Tynewydd Road Community Centres, covering its costs solely from generated income. It operates under manager Carl Gizzi, three caretakers and a supportive committee, including chairman and treasurer Les Rees.

Dr James Davies, MP for Vale of Clwyd and Gareth Davies, MS for Vale of Clwyd, visited the centre on Saturday, May 15 to meet staff and Rhyl county councillors Brian Jones and Tony Thomas.

One ongoing project is at the Ffordd Las Playing Field, where the centre provides community use of the field for a football club with 20 women’s, boys’ and girls’ teams. The RCA is also in the process of agreeing an asset transfer of Tynewydd Community Centre to carry out interior and exterior refurbishments that is hoped to increase its usage.

Dr Davies said: “Ffordd Las Community Centre is an excellent facility for the local community and I am confident that the improvements that have been made will attract more users.

“RCA is doing a tremendous job, with over 50 groups regularly using their three community centres in Rhyl, from large organisations such as Weight Watchers and Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, to numerous local organisations and groups including Clwyd Mind, TiC, and NWS Dance.

“I thank Carl and the rest of team at RCA for all they are doing for the local community and wish them all the best going forward.”

The Association currently engages with around 300 to 400 people every week and as lockdown restrictions are eased it expects to be working with around 500 people weekly.

Mr Gizzi said: “RCA is proud to be at the heart of the community and Ffordd Las centre especially has been very well received locally. We actively look for projects and partnership opportunities that will be beneficial to the local community

“Denbighshire County Council has granted an asset transfer of the Ffordd Las Playing Field and we are working with numerous groups and a football club with around 20 teams, girls, boys and womens, to bring more community use to the field.”

Organisations, groups or individuals wishing to hire any of the three community centres can contact Mr Gizzi by calling 01745 330346.