BUSINESS owners in Rhyl have shared their thoughts on what could improve the town’s economy following a number of store closures in the area. Since the start of 2023, GAME, Wilko, Iceland, New Look are just some of the brands to have left Rhyl, while earlier in May, wool shop RKM Wools closed after 40 years of business in the town due to “unaffordable” business rates. Costa Coffee also closed one of its two premises in Rhyl this month, citing trade as its decision to shut on the town’s High Street.
Shaun Ketley, who took over The Cob and Pen pub on High Street in February 2023, feels businesses in the town desperately need more support from Denbighshire County Council. “It comes down to the council putting the money into all of the wrong places,” he said. “My business rates shot up by more than double this year.
“Instead of retailers leaving the town centre, they should encourage and help them to stay by lowering there rates and rent; something is better than nothing or the eyesore of empty premises. “If shops are staying, then that in turn attracts more businesses to come to the town, then more shoppers will return. “Most of us that either work, own a business, or live in Rhyl love and are proud of our town, but when you have a council that don’t care, what chance do we have?” Michelle Mellor owns The Lounge Bar in Rhyl and Micky's Professional Catering Company.
She is hopeful that the ongoing Queen’s Market development will prove an “amazing” a.