A UK seaside town has been divided after being branded the worst in the country.
Rhyl, North Wales, is located in the county of Denbighshire to the east of Colwyn Bay.
It was a popular location thanks to its typical seaside town attractions, such as its great beach, arcades, and shops.
But now the demand has waned, leaving business owners and locals uncertain about the future of Rhyl.
Business owner Mark Chesterton said in July that the streets are increasingly quiet.
He told North Wales Live: “We are usually full of customers at this time of year. This street is usually full of traffic and footfall. Last July was a record-breaking month for us. How are independent businesses expected to carry on?”
The same outlet reported that trains used to bring passengers into the town on a route that gave them a view of the beach, but a concrete wall has since blocked this route.
Meanwhile, many businesses have been forced to shut.
Mr Chesterton added: “It’s quiet everywhere. There’s no reason to come to Rhyl. Last Saturday there was no one in the shop, which is unheard of, and it’s dead again today. It’s awful, absolutely terrible.
“I was speaking to a lady just up the road who’s been in her shop for 11 years. She said she’d never known it so bad.
“We’ve known quiet periods before but the situation now is ridiculous. It’s the same in Prestatyn and Abergele. Towyn is the busiest – because it provides entertainment.”
He added that Rhyl “isn’t the place it was ten years ago” and that “something has to be done to stop the decline.”
Earlier this year, the Telegraph rated Rhyl as the UK’s worst seaside town, which sparked an angry reaction from some locals.
Chad Jones, owner of Sacrament Tattoo on Queen Street told the Rhyl Journal: “I’m biased but I believe Rhyl is the best place in the world.
“I was born and bred here – I even refused to move to Benidorm with my dad because I love it here so much.”
Angela from Prestatyn about Rhyl Pavilion Theatre said: “Great place for locals. Nice to have a theatre on the doorstep. Good selection of drinks and snacks and option to have pre-show dinner in the 1891 restaurant.”
Other locals suggested ways Rhyl could improve its reputation.
Student Megan Johnson said: “I think the biggest problem is that so little is open. We’re in the summer season and so many attractions and shops are either shut or empty.”
Emma Hoppley added: “Rhyl could be better. If there were more activities other than the arcades I think people would have a better opinion of the place.”
