A PETITION to save five kiosks in Rhyl from being demolished has been launched. 

Residents are up in arms over plans to close the kiosks - that have been in the town for more than 50 years - and to reduce them to rubble. One shop - The Fish Cabin - has been in the town for 65 years. 

Denbighshire County Council said in order to deliver the coastal defence scheme, there was no option but to remove the shops, four of which are located at the back of the SeaQuarium and one which is near SC2.

Emily skeffington has started a petition to 'Save Rhyl Kiosks'. The shops will close on June 4. 

Denbighshire County Council confirmed to the Journal that there are no current plans to replace the kiosks but "there is the option of conisdering that in the future".

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James Davies, MP for Vale of Clwyd, said: "Sea defence works are very important but Rhyl can't thrive with concrete infrastructure alone. Everything we do should always have in mind the need to boost the local economy and jobs, plus ensure a pleasant environment and visitor experience.

"Rhyl seafront looks much tidier than in the past but often lacks activity.

"We have already seen the unfortunate decision to remove the drift park without replacement until the works are complete.

"Compensating kiosk business owners is imperative but provision for them to relocate elsewhere on the promenade is surely also vital."

A spokesperson for Denbighshire County Council said: "The beachfront kiosks are owned by Denbighshire County Council and are leased to tenants. The council has been in discussions with the kiosk tenants for 18 months regarding this situation and terms have been agreed with each of them with all the tenants having professional representation throughout the process. The legal formalities are currently being completed so that Balfour Beatty can proceed in accordance with the sea defence programme.

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"The current sea defences in Rhyl must be upgraded because they are deteriorating, and we also need to improve the level of protection from coastal flooding due to the impact of climate change.

"This work is essential to protect homes, businesses and the tourist economy from flooding events and coastal erosion well into the future. The scheme will provide ongoing protection for around 600 residential and commercial properties in the area.

"The kiosks cannot remain in place whilst the works are taking place, and the new sea defence promenade will be higher, coming approximately halfway up the current kiosk buildings.

"Unfortunately, the kiosks must therefore be removed in order to deliver the scheme."

DCC said the kiosks were being demolished as "due to forecasted sea level rises, the design solution requires a finished sea defence that is higher than is currently in place."

The East Rhyl coastal defence scheme officially opened in the town last Thursday (May 25). Central Rhyl and Central Prestatyn coastal defence schemes are currently under construction.

The three projects, that cost a combined £125million, will reduce risk to more than 3,500 homes and businesses.