WORK has begun to improve a Rhyl watercourse for the benefit of surrounding communities.

Denbighshire County Council and Natural Resources Wales (NRW) are working together to improve Rhyl Cut and land surrounding its route through the town from east to west into the River Clwyd.

The council and NRW have commenced work at key points of the waterway, with a view to carrying out a longer-term project to develop the route to support nature and communities living along Rhyl Cut.

Work carried out already includes: 

  • The council has started the process of improving access to allow NRW to mechanically clear sections of the cut, and any inorganic arisings, including fly tipping, will be transported off site. This approach will ensure that the Rhyl Cut can be better maintained in the future.
  • Fly tipping hotspots will be targeted and infrastructure put in place to help prevent further tipping i.e. on the bridge crossings.
  • Obstructions such as fallen trees have been removed.

READ MORE:

Praise for 'courageous’ Rhyl stabbing victim after ‘frenzied attack’

This week's court cases in Denbighshire, Conwy and Gwynedd

The council and NRW are looking ahead to the future to develop a long-term project to continue improving, maintain and developing sections of Rhyl Cut.

Paula Harley, NRW land and assets manager for North East Wales, said: “For many years, the Rhyl Cut has presented various challenges in regard to flood risk, pollution, amenity and health and safety.

“By working in partnership with colleagues at Denbighshire County Council and community groups, I feel we have a real opportunity to improve the Rhyl Cut for the benefit of community and all involved.

“As well as the immediate challenges such as fly tipping, access improvements for flood risk maintenance and pollution reduction, the partnership group will be working with others to develop a long-term vision for the Rhyl Cut which will encompass NRW’s wellbeing objectives as we tackle the climate and nature emergencies.”

Cllr Barry Mellor, lead member for environment and transport, said: “We are grateful to NRW for their collaboration and expertise to enable the beginnings of much needed maintenance work to tidy up the Rhyl Cut to take place.

“The council is looking forward to working with our NRW colleagues to map out future development for this historic waterway to allow more community involvement with the Rhyl Cut and better benefits for our local nature as well.”