A COMMUNITY centre in Rhyl says it had no choice but to ban a man with dementia after he became abusive towards volunteers.

John Kearney, 61, told the Journal he is upset after being told on Friday (July 28) that he was no longer welcome at the Foryd Community Centre on Princes Street after an incident last week.

The centre alleges that Mr Kearney made threats and a throat-slitting gesture to one of the volunteers.

Mr Kearney – who denies this – had been making use of the centre’s offer of breakfasts and roast dinners for £1 on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays for some time.

READ MORE:

Thieves stole more than £2,000 of goods from Prestatyn retail park

New Avanti train stops at Rhyl & Prestatyn on first North Wales visit

Prestatyn woman stole sausage roll and Special Brew from Denbigh Co-op

His partner, Rosie Parry, said he also suffers from bowel cancer, adding that the ban will likely be to the detriment of his mental health.

She said: “I feel terrible for him. It’s not on.

“That place was ideal for him, because he can’t cook at home, and he doesn’t have many friends. If he didn’t see me, he wouldn’t see anybody, so he’ll miss that place.”

When contacted by the Journal, Foryd Community Centre said it made the decision after several alleged incidents Mr Kearney has been involved in.

The centre added that an unplanned inspection from Denbighshire County Council’s environmental team last week resulted in it being told it has a clean bill of health.

This followed Ms Parry also calling into question its level of cleanliness.

A spokesperson for the centre said: “We have supported John for over the last two years, providing access to social workers, advice, and welcoming him three times per week at our lunch clubs.

“There have been several incidents in the past where I have had to have words with him about his behaviour, and have had to bar him before when he has been abusive to staff.

“We have always relented in the past, but on this occasion, we feel that we have a duty of care to both staff and customers to ensure their welfare.

“We have a zero-tolerance policy on abuse to our staff, and volunteers and have been considerate of John’s health issues in the past.

“We provide subsidised meals for over 300 people per week, and it is extremely rare to have a complaint.”