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Rhyl Journal
10-06-2025
- Politics
- Rhyl Journal
PCC tells MS: ‘Pride isn't a threat to Prestatyn's identity'
Organised by Prestatyn Town Council, the event took place throughout Saturday afternoon (June 7), and featured a parade up High Street, LGBTQIA+ organisations, speciality acts, and performers. The event was well-attended despite poor weather, and was held during Pride Month, which is celebrated annually in June - the month when the 1969 Stonewall riots took place. Mr Davies, who himself is a resident of Prestatyn, questioned who 'wanted' and 'funded' Saturday's event – to which Mr Dunbobbin, who was in attendance, replied: 'Pride is not a threat to Prestatyn's identity.' Highlights from Prestatyn Pride 2025 (Image: Newsquest) Mr Davies said on Sunday (June 8): 'Never in my five years on the (town) council did the notion of Prestatyn Pride ever come up, and I was only on there between 2017-22, so hardly back in the stone ages. 'This is not an anti-gay post; far from it. I fully support the progress that has been made over the years and decades in terms of the laws and rights that gay people have in comparison to yesteryear. And I have many gay friends and have employed gay people. 'But I have to draw the line somewhere, and speak up for the many constituents who have contacted me on this matter, in asking: who wanted this event and called for it? 'Who funded it? Is it in the best interests of the residents of Prestatyn and surrounding areas? Who does it benefit? Opal Rose at Prestatyn Pride 2025 (Image: Newsquest) 'There are many more questions, but that's the bones of it.' Mr Davies said the town council 'not once' extended an invitation to him to Saturday's event, despite it having 'promoted the event endlessly through their own channels'. Similar annual events along the North Wales coast take place in Rhyl (at The Bodfor pub) and in Colwyn Bay (at the town's promenade). He added: 'We've got to remember that Prestatyn, in comparison, is a very higher age demographic in comparison to the rest of the Vale of Clwyd, and pretty socially Conservative. 'And where those residents won't make much noise publicly, they'll do it through me and other people to voice their concerns. 'So, the general plea would be: We're not Liverpool, Manchester or a major city. We're very small coastal communities where such things matter much more than if it were in bigger areas. 'It's the town council to make those decisions and I won't do anything to get in the way of that. But they're my own remarks and analysis as your local MS, which I have every right to do.' When given the opportunity by the Journal to respond to Mr Davies' comments, Mr Dunbobbin said Pride events are about 'visibility, belonging, and inclusion for people in every community'. The High Street parade at Prestatyn Pride 2025 (Image: Newsquest) They are not about 'cities or scale,' he added. Mr Dunbobbin said: 'The idea that Prestatyn is somehow 'too small' or 'too conservative' for a Pride event isn't only out of step with the values of equality, but it's deeply dismissive of the LGBTQ+ residents who live there - people who contribute to our community - just like you and me. 'I've seen arguments framed as 'not anti-gay... but' followed by loaded questions about who asked for this event, who funded it, and what benefit it brings. 'These are not neutral inquiries - they are rhetorical devices designed to cast suspicion and suggest that LGBTQ+ visibility is somehow controversial or unnecessary in our communities. 'That's wrong. Social progress doesn't require permission from tradition. The fact that a Pride event wasn't proposed during someone's time in office doesn't mean it shouldn't happen now. 'Towns change, people grow, and representation becomes more vital - not less - in areas that have historically lacked it. 'Pride is not a threat to Prestatyn's identity; it's a reflection of the diversity already here. 'You don't need to live in Liverpool or Manchester to have the right to be seen, celebrated, and safe. That's not politics - that's basic human dignity. 'We should be asking how we can better support all members of our community, not questioning the legitimacy of events that aim to do exactly that. 'Silence may be comfortable for some, but visibility can save lives for others. And in 2025, we should all be brave enough to stand on the right side of that truth." Heather Boa at Prestatyn Pride 2025 (Image: Newsquest) In a further post this morning (June 10), Mr Davies thanked those who had shown him support in the wake of his initial comments on Prestatyn Pride. He added: 'It seems a shame that free speech only seems to flow in one way in this regard sometimes. 'But that's not my problem, it's more societal and out of my control which is not to worry about.'
Leader Live
08-06-2025
- Politics
- Leader Live
REVEALED: How much North Wales Police spends on drones
A Freedom of Information (FOI) Act request published on its website asked: "For each year between 2020 and 2024, how many drones has your police force operated?" and "How much money has been invested in your police forces drone program, for each year between 2020 and 2024?" That revealed that between 2020-2022, the force had four drones in their ranks, which cost £405,768 (Only started towards end of financial year 2020/21, so 2020/21 and 2021/22 costs included). In 2022/23, that moved up to seven drones at a cost of £398,784. In 2023/24, that figure was 11 drones at a cost of £488,229. And this year, the total now stands at 15 drones used by the force, at a cost of £581,725. The drones are used in a number of cases, for example, to track down missing people or to catch criminals red handed. The FOI further reveals that North Wales Police operates a dedicated team of drone operators and additional pilots who have other primary roles. It also adds that training a drone pilot costs around £1,000 with a course taking place over 13 days. The Police and Crime Commissioner for North Wales, Andy Dunbobbin, hailed the use of drones as an 'indispensable part of policing'. He added that there are plans in place to continue investing in such technology to deal with 'challenges' face within policing. READ MORE Mr Dunbobbin said: "In recent years, the use of drones has become an indispensable part of policing and fighting crime. "For example, they have proved effective in cases of missing persons, where drones are able to scan landscapes and reach remote locations faster and more effectively than traditional means. "Prior to becoming Police and Crime Commissioner, I had a professional background in IT and the digital sphere and so I recognise how important it is to keep pace with changes in technology. "My Police and Crime Plan for North Wales pledges to continue to invest in technology and digital skills to deal with the challenges we face in policing, both now and into the future. "I fully support North Wales Police and their drone unit in making the most of drones and other developing technologies for the benefit of the public and in fighting crime.'
Leader Live
08-06-2025
- Leader Live
Wrexham: Public invited to share views on policing with PCC
A public surgery will be held with North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Andy Dunbobbin at Wrexham Library on Rhosddu Road on July 3, from 2.30pm to 4.30pm. The event is designed to bring policing closer to the public and give people the chance to raise concerns or comments directly with the commissioner and police representatives. Mr Dunbobbin said: "I'm pleased to be engaging directly with the residents of Wrexham and surrounding areas on issues that matter to them, alongside North Wales Police. "My public surgeries are a chance for the community to voice their concerns and share their ideas. "It's all about bringing policing closer to the people we serve. "I'm looking forward to meeting with residents, hearing their perspectives, and working together to ensure North Wales remains a safe, vibrant and secure place to live. "I encourage anyone who wants to, to book a place and to have their voice heard." Each attendee will be given a 20-minute private meeting with the commissioner, who will be joined by staff from his office and North Wales Police. The team will offer advice or direct residents to other agencies where appropriate. No other members of the public will be present during the meetings to ensure confidentiality. The surgery follows the launch of Mr Dunbobbin's second Police and Crime Plan in January 2025, which set out priorities including visible neighbourhood policing, support for victims and communities, and a fair and effective criminal justice system. The commissioner has four main duties: setting policing priorities, deciding the police budget, representing public views, and holding the Chief Constable to account. Surgeries are by appointment only to ensure matters raised relate to policing, crime, or community safety, and to give the commissioner time to prepare. While the commissioner cannot intervene in operational police matters, he welcomes public feedback on how North Wales is policed. Complaints about individual police officers or staff cannot be addressed during the surgery and must go through formal complaints channels. READ MORE: Lucky Flintshire street named People's Postcode Lottery winner TODAY To book a 20-minute slot, residents should contact the commissioner's office with their name, contact details, and a brief summary of the issue they wish to discuss. Bookings can be made by emailing opcc@ calling 01492 805486, or writing to the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner North Wales, Police Headquarters, Glan y Don, Colwyn Bay, LL29 8AW. Slots are limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. If all appointments are filled, alternative session details will be provided.
Rhyl Journal
03-06-2025
- Sport
- Rhyl Journal
North Wales: £25,000 fund to keep children fit and engaged
The Summer Sports Fund, first introduced in 2023 by PCC Dunbobbin, was initially focused on football and has now expanded to include all sports. The initiative encourages clubs and youth organisations to apply for funding to organise sporting activities for children during the summer holidays. As well as promoting fitness, the fund aims to combat anti-social behaviour (ASB), which often increases during the summer months, by keeping young people productively scheme fosters a 'spirit of teamwork, exercise and fun' (Image: North Wales PCC) The scheme fosters a 'spirit of teamwork, exercise, and fun, creating an inclusive atmosphere'. The commissioner has set aside £25,000 to support 25 sports projects. This means up to £1,000 can be awarded to each successful applicant. Mr Dunbobbin said: "Sport is an excellent way of establishing friendships, self-confidence, and positivity among young people, especially when they are away from the routine of school life, and can also help reduce instances of ASB by offering other ways of expending energy. "Since it first began, it's proved an extremely popular fund and I am pleased that I have been able to help so many organisations, communities, and young people to benefit from the fun, self-discipline, and exercise that you get from sport. "I hope it will once again make a real difference to the young people of North Wales during the summer holidays. "Supporting communities and reducing anti-social behaviour in North Wales is a crucial part of my plan for fighting crime in North Wales, and the Summer Sports Fund is a positive example of my plan in action. "I would encourage any club or community organisation that thinks they are eligible for funding to apply now." To be eligible, applicants need to fill out a short application form by midnight on Friday, June 27. This year, an online application form has been launched to make the process easier. Applicants need to be based in North Wales and cater for children and young people up to 17 years old. The project must demonstrate how they will address issues of anti-social behaviour or align with the Commissioner's Police and Crime Plan. Organisations are also required to have a safeguarding policy and/or child protection policy, and all staff and volunteers must have completed relevant DBS checks. It is preferred, though not essential, that the project includes an element of match funding. The grant cannot be used to fund individuals, profit-making organisations, or work that statutory bodies (such as schools or local authorities) are obliged to fund. Applications will not be considered from local government, prisons, NHS bodies, or for projects that take place outside of the UK. This initiative is set to encourage young people across North Wales to engage in positive activities over the summer, whilst also tackling potential spikes in anti-social behaviour. For more details and to apply, visit
Leader Live
03-06-2025
- Sport
- Leader Live
North Wales: £25,000 fund to keep children fit and engaged
The Summer Sports Fund, first introduced in 2023 by PCC Dunbobbin, was initially focused on football and has now expanded to include all sports. The initiative encourages clubs and youth organisations to apply for funding to organise sporting activities for children during the summer holidays. As well as promoting fitness, the fund aims to combat anti-social behaviour (ASB), which often increases during the summer months, by keeping young people productively scheme fosters a 'spirit of teamwork, exercise and fun' (Image: North Wales PCC) The scheme fosters a 'spirit of teamwork, exercise, and fun, creating an inclusive atmosphere'. The commissioner has set aside £25,000 to support 25 sports projects. This means up to £1,000 can be awarded to each successful applicant. Mr Dunbobbin said: "Sport is an excellent way of establishing friendships, self-confidence, and positivity among young people, especially when they are away from the routine of school life, and can also help reduce instances of ASB by offering other ways of expending energy. "Since it first began, it's proved an extremely popular fund and I am pleased that I have been able to help so many organisations, communities, and young people to benefit from the fun, self-discipline, and exercise that you get from sport. "I hope it will once again make a real difference to the young people of North Wales during the summer holidays. "Supporting communities and reducing anti-social behaviour in North Wales is a crucial part of my plan for fighting crime in North Wales, and the Summer Sports Fund is a positive example of my plan in action. "I would encourage any club or community organisation that thinks they are eligible for funding to apply now." To be eligible, applicants need to fill out a short application form by midnight on Friday, June 27. This year, an online application form has been launched to make the process easier. Applicants need to be based in North Wales and cater for children and young people up to 17 years old. The project must demonstrate how they will address issues of anti-social behaviour or align with the Commissioner's Police and Crime Plan. Organisations are also required to have a safeguarding policy and/or child protection policy, and all staff and volunteers must have completed relevant DBS checks. It is preferred, though not essential, that the project includes an element of match funding. The grant cannot be used to fund individuals, profit-making organisations, or work that statutory bodies (such as schools or local authorities) are obliged to fund. Applications will not be considered from local government, prisons, NHS bodies, or for projects that take place outside of the UK. This initiative is set to encourage young people across North Wales to engage in positive activities over the summer, whilst also tackling potential spikes in anti-social behaviour. For more details and to apply, visit
