Rhyl has got a lot of bad press lately, what with The Sun newspaper and now a new book, Crap Towns Returns. But should you believe everything you read?
So as The Sun published a complete waste of paper the other week, with what can only be described as fabricated truths, I pondered on the thoughts that is Rhyl really as bad as they made it out to be!
The simple answer is, NO, like most towns that are finding it hard to regenerate interest after the recent economy being brushed under the carpet and forgotten about, Rhyl may have its bad points, but these are something that is being improved.
With The Sun newspaper, and I loosely call it a newspaper, publishing its article about Rhyl, it sparked of a huge debate by local people and in turn has caused a bit of a stir in the community and how the town was misrepresented.
For starters, lets look into the picture that they used claiming the desolation of the beach front, this was clearly taken on a winter’s day, when only two people were brave enough to head out in the cold for a stroll along the seafront.
Secondly the photo of the funfair as it was and is now. The funfair may have been amazing in its heyday, but people have moved away from them and these days prefer to be entertained in theatres and cinemas, where they can have fun in the comfort of somewhere entertaining, dry and warm.
Giving Journalists a Bad Name
My other issue with the article about Rhyl is that the author of the article, did seem to take a lot of the interview out of context, the person interviewed has shed light on this matter and is livid with the way that she was put across in the article, she didn’t even discuss anything that she was quoted on in the article.
It comes to something when something has to be written in a style of semi-fabrication just to sell tomorrows chip paper!
Rhyl: Pushing Forward and Growing
I’ve seen a lot of changes in Rhyl, yes some changes may be controversial and many may not agree with them, but the majority of them are making the town better.
With the recent addition of the new Pont Y Ddraig bridge and the work starting on the new Hotel on the coast, things are indeed looking up, not only that the cinema refurbishment has been a welcome boost, with people not having so far to travel to see a movie.
Some of you may remember the article I posted up with the video of the flyover for the work being done in Rhyl, this is by no means the complete picture of how Rhyl will look, but it gives a good idea of the advancements in the work being taken to make the town a seaside resort to be reckoned with.
Also the move to remove the old Honey Club ready for the construction of a new 60 room hotel, which is not only going to create more jobs for those living in Rhyl and the surrounding areas, but will also help with the economy of the town itself.
Crap Towns Returns!!
Now on to my next rant, the Crap Towns Returns book. This has to be the last insult to a town that could ever possibly given. The book gets its information from people “voting” for the crap town and nominating it via books website.
I know from experience that these sorts of system aren’t fallible, most of the time you will get a high percentage of people who will vote, comment and email, using false accounts etc. Just because they don’t like somewhere.
Even the author, Sam Jordison, said in an interview with Craig K on the local radio station, “I’ve never visited Rhyl“. Seriously, so how does he know what the town is really like, just from word of mouth from complete strangers!!!
I also think that the webmasters on the website have a hatred for Rhyl, as they mention Rhyl several times with what can only be described as some kind of vendetta towards the town. I visited their site and found the likes of:
“exactly what makes things dull – but we all know what dull feels like. It feels like these places:”
With Rhyl being mentioned a few times!
So out of the 100 places for the worst places to live, Rhyl is number 79, is it really that bad! I don’t think so.
Pulling Together For Rhyl
Now the time has come to show these people that we won’t take this lying down, Rhyl is steeped in history, from the 1830?s onwards the town has always been a place for tourists to visit and enjoy, although the majority of the wonderful Victorian buildings have gone, the town is creating a new look for itself and moving with the times.
From the new Pont y Ddraig bridge to the construction of the new hotel and aquatic centre boasting an Olympic sized swimming pool, Rhyl is certainly going to have those that chastise the town eating their words.
The regeneration of Rhyl has started and I’m proud to see that the town is starting to pull itself back to its feet, money may be tight for a lot of people, but the streets are busy, the outdoor market is doing well, the beaches are enjoyed by families on a day out (weather permitting) and the theatre and cinema are entertaining not only tourists on an evening but us locals as well.
With the likes of Mrs Browns Boys having a sell out gig and The Hitchhiker’s Guide To The Galaxy Radio Show coming to the theatre, no one can say that the Rhyl Pavilion is not just a “gigantic corrugated shed“!
We love Sunny Rhyl and we are going to support it, no matter what those silly people who have never visited the town say!!!
Karen Woodham is the founder and owner of the Blazing Minds. She is also a Cinema reviewer and works with RealD 3D reviewing the latest 3D releases and IMAX, she has also had several articles published in various publications including the first edition of SFW Magazine. In 2015 she became an Award Winning Blogger and also has her website listed as one of the UK’s Top 10 Film Blogs.
