Latest news with #PrestatynPride
Leader Live
12-06-2025
- Health
- Leader Live
MS for Delyn provides several updates in this weeks column
MS for Delyn Last week in the Senedd, I paid tribute to those at the heart of our communities during Volunteers Week – volunteers, groups and organisers who work tirelessly behind the scenes. Whether it's Mold Community Clubhouse & Gardens, hospital leagues of friends or Walk & Talk Today in Ffynnongroyw, their work matters and makes a difference – and, during Pride Month, let's also celebrate the people powering our local Pride events, such as the first ever Flint Pride last year and Prestatyn Pride last weekend. In the Senedd debate, I called on the Welsh Government to build on its support for volunteers not just with funding, but through creative partnerships that help more people get involved. You watch all my questions in the Senedd on my Facebook page at The NHS matters to us all. Last week in the Senedd I talked about the challenges that remain for Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, but also the positive progress that we are seeing being made – two-year waits are down by 67 per cent over the last three years, more than 12,000 patients have come off the two-year wait list and the new Llandudno orthopaedic hub is on track to make a difference when that opens later this year. This demonstrates the difference additional funding makes, thanks to having two Labour governments working together. But investment alone isn't enough, it also takes system change and that won't work without our incredible NHS workforce. That's why during a debate in the Senedd last week, I called for reassurance that staff on the ground will be fully supported and involved in shaping the improvements we all want to see. NHS staff are key to turning around the health board – I am hopeful that we are heading in the right direction, but of course there is a lot more work to do. It was a real pleasure last week to attend the North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Community Awards ceremony on Thursday evening. The awards recognise individuals and organisations who are making a difference and making life better for victims, for communities and supporting the police in their work right across North Wales. It was especially lovely to see the work of Louise Rudd and Heather Williams and all the team at Walk & Talk Today in Ffynnongroyw rightly recognised in the Community Champion Award. A few years back now, I joined them at the opening of their first premises and, since then, I've seen them go from strength to strength, making a real and lasting difference to the village and surrounding area. Llongyfarchiadau Walk & Talk Today! Regular readers will know that I'm passionate about amplifying young people's voices – young people are truly the future of Wales and politicians aren't always good at listening to what they have to say. Here in Wales, we have the Welsh Youth Parliament which gives young people the chance to represent their communities from their own perspectives and recently I discovered a podcast entitled 'Get Informed and Get Involved', which has been made by the Youth Voice Network for Wales. If you like podcasts, it's worth a listen – the young presenters tackle how young people can navigate social media, how to tell the difference between reliable information and misinformation and give tips on how to get involved in democracy. I recently met with campaigners from the League Against Cruel Sports and Animal Aid to discuss the urgent need to end the caged breeding of game birds in Wales. Every year, tens of thousands of pheasants and partridges are kept in tiny, wire-mesh cages and are denied the ability to move freely. There are currently no specific regulations protecting these birds and no routine inspections of game bird farms in Wales – despite public opposition and clear welfare concerns, progress has stalled for years. Residents from across my constituency have been in touch about this issue asking for real action. Wales must follow through on its commitments to animal welfare and ban cages for breeding game birds. Finally, I had the chance on Friday to visit Theatr Clwyd to see Tick, Tick… Boom, the first performance in the newly-transformed theatre which will run until June 28 – the venue is operating a phased return so that it could stay open longer during the building work. The transformation was made possible with support from Flintshire County Council, the Arts Council of Wales and £22m of Welsh Government funding and I have to say it's a stunning building which will continue to serve our communities here in North East Wales for many years to come – the new-look theatre, restaurant, community facilities and landscaped areas around it will make the theatre even more of an asset to our area. As always, if you would like advice and/or support, please don't hesitate to get in touch on any of the following contact details – 52 High Street, Mold, Flintshire, on 01352 753464 or by email You can also keep up to date via my Facebook page – Constituents are, of course, welcome to contact my office to arrange an appointment to see me, you don't need to wait for an advice surgery.
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.'
Rhyl Journal
08-06-2025
- Politics
- Rhyl Journal
Prestatyn Pride: Celabatory and colourful...and necessary?
On Saturday, the Prestatyn Pride parade through the town included many members of the LGBTQ+ community and allies. They included drag performers The Royal Serenity, Opal Rose, and Heather Boa, business owners, charity fundraiser Richard Kendrick, and Police and Crime Commissioner Andy Dunbobbin. Prestatyn Pride. (Image: Newsquest) Also in the parade was the mother of The Vivienne, known out of drag as James Lee Williams, who grew up in North Wales. James, who passed away earlier this, was an outspoken advocate of LGBTQ+ rights and safe spaces, and this week featured on a list 'celebrating the most influential LGBT+ changemakers of the past year.' Prestatyn Pride parade. (Image: Newsquest)Many of the businesses in the town centre were decorated in support of Pride, and people of all ages attended the parade through the town and the Pride event at the Cross Foxes pub. Promoting the event, Prestatyn Town Council said: "Celebrate love, inclusivity and diversity. Everyone is welcome!" A post shared by Rhyl Journal (@rhyljournal) But not everyone was happy. After the event, Conservative MS Gareth Davies questioned the need for a Pride event in a small coastal town like Prestatyn. He posed several questions on behalf of "many constituents" on social media. The questions have been responded to by Prestatyn drag performer The Royal Serenity, who has been nominated as a Positive Role Model Award for the LGBTQ+ community in the National Diversity Awards 2025. "I'm a resident of Prestatyn, and a former member of Prestatyn Town Council. "Never in my five years on the 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! "And before you start, 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 yester year. "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? "There are many more questions, but that's the bones of it. "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." (Image: Newsquest) "In the past five years hate crimes against the LGBT+ community has tripled to an 112% increase with 22,839 homophobic hate crimes being reported in England & Wales just last year. "Pride may not have been something you would discuss five years ago, but it's something we need to be discussing now. "To answer some of the questions: "'Who wanted this event?' Everybody who was there. The people who lined the streets with rainbows. The hundreds of people who filled the grounds to celebrate together watching a fantastic day of entertainment. "'Who funded it?' Mainly sponsors such as The National Lottery Community Fund "'Is it in the best interest of the residents of Prestatyn and surrounding areas?' Clearly the answer is Yes. It brought a lot of people from outside towns to Prestatyn for the day/weekend. Some of whom may have been their first time getting to see the beauty of Prestatyn. They would have spent their money, taken photos, and even planned on returning. An increase to Prestatyn's economy and popularity is an excellent thing. "'Who does it benefit?' Not only does it benefit Prestatyn's economy from Bars, to eatery's, to hotels, and shops; but it also benefits both the LGBT+ community and those who do not identify as LGBT+ alike. It benefits us because in the hugely scary world filled with so much threat and hatred toward us for simply existing; we get to come together to show that we are not going anywhere, we have always been here and we always will, we will not hide to make you feel more comfortable about yourself because we have a right to exist, a right to live, a right to love, and a right to be proud. "A 2021 study shows that the risk of suicide attempts is almost 3x higher for people in the LGBT+ community, someone who is struggling with their own personal identity experience can see the Pride events and know that they're not alone, they're not 'broken', what they feel is normal and we will protect you as a community. "And it benefits everybody else because it's a brilliant day out! Yes, there are huge popular pride events in the cities across the UK. "I have been lucky enough to perform at and host some which have had thousands of people in the crowd but it's the smaller pride events like these that are also so so important. "Firstly, not everyone can travel to the further away cities, and not everyone feels comfortable being in those huge crowds. This brings to event to them. Bringing Pride to small towns like Prestatyn is crucial for LGBT+ visibility, community building, and challenging ignorance. Not only do they create safe spaces for individuals to be themselves and connect but it also helps those who may have felt isolated or those who didn't know how to get the resources or the support they need. "Everybody has the right of free speech. But that does not include abusive, hateful, disgusting comments about another human being just celebrating life. Your ignorance is astounding. If you are one of those people who genuinely are intrigued as to why we have pride events, parades, and protests and why they're so important then please respectfully ask the questions and we will respectfully respond. "We're all in the planet together, we're all humans, don't waste your life hating a community that is never going away."
Rhyl Journal
05-06-2025
- Business
- Rhyl Journal
Landlord applies to convert Rhyl home into HMO
Majid Khan, of London-based Genics Investment, has applied to Denbighshire County Council's planning department, seeking permission for a change of use of 15 Chester Street from a dwelling to six-bedroom HMO. According to the application, the HMO is already in use but is not registered with Denbighshire County Council. The applicant says the building has been in continuous use as a HMO for more than ten years. The applicant has supplied a list of tenancy agreements, housing benefit details, and a statement from the previous landlord as 'evidence' of the above. A planning statement issued on behalf of Mr Khan reads: 'The property was purchased in 1996 for a HMO use, and the previous landlord did submit a planning application in (the) late 90s (or) early 2000s, but this was not registered formally on the council's records. 'Before the new directives came in 2014, a HMO Licence was not required. A HMO licence was granted and expired in 2020.' HMOs are carefully regulated by some councils, especially in seaside towns, which may have a greater number of large empty properties. MORE NEWS: Darren Millar: Clwyd West MS to appear on episode of BBC Question Time Prestatyn Pride to be held for first time this weekend: what to expect Rhyl's Queen's Market 'starting to take shape' as signage installed Rhyl councillor Brian Jones said he believed the town already had enough HMOs. 'In my opinion, Rhyl has more than enough HMOs,' he said. 'When Rhyl is compared to other towns in Denbighshire, Rhyl has by far the highest number. We have enough of them. We certainly don't need any more.' Denbighshire defines a HMO as a property rented to 'at least three people who are not from the same household, such as a family'. A HMO property in Denbigh, Llangollen, Prestatyn and Rhyl must have a licence if there are three or more tenants living there and: They form more than one household, with or without shared facilities (bathroom and kitchen) They form more than one fully self-contained household, but do not meet the 1991 Building Regulations and where less than two-thirds of the self-contained flats are owner occupied. The planning application will likely be debated at a future planning committee meeting at Ruthin 's County Hall HQ.
Rhyl Journal
05-06-2025
- General
- Rhyl Journal
Denbighshire criticised for not being tough on fly-tipping
Cllr Chris Evans has urged the local authority to take stronger enforcement action against fly-tippers. He separately called on them to address concerns over rubbish accidentally spilling from council bin wagons. Cllr Evans says some residents are dumping household rubbish next to public bins, only for seagulls and foxes to tear open bin bags, harming both wildlife and farm animals. The Tremeirchion councillor said he has sent emails to Denbighshire Council's heads of service, reporting problems in the village, as well as at St Asaph, Rhuallt, Denbigh, Sodom, on a rural lane between Clawdd-Newydd and Pwllglas, and Moel Famau. 'What we are having a problem with, especially around Rhuallt and rural areas, is that people haven't got enough room in their bins. 'We're seeing people putting household waste in bags by the public bins, and foxes or seagulls are ripping the bags open,' he said. 'Somebody has dumped three mattresses down by the roadside in a rural area. 'Two people were prosecuted from Ruthin. The bin bags are full of rubbish, one of the worst things for rural areas. 'It's disgusting. It is mostly household waste: bread wrappers, cartons. 'A couple of farmers have come to me complaining that their animals are actually digesting the rubbish.' MORE NEWS: Darren Millar: Clwyd West MS to appear on episode of BBC Question Time Prestatyn Pride to be held for first time this weekend: what to expect Rhyl's Queen's Market 'starting to take shape' as signage installed Cllr Evans called on Denbighshire to get tough on offenders. 'We need better enforcement of this, to stop animals ripping the bags open and to find the till receipts to identify the people who are doing this, because it is not right,' he said. Cllr Evans said he found multiple debit and credit card receipts in one bin bag for the same household after it had been ripped open by seagulls. 'When I looked, there was a receipt in one of the bags,' he said. 'What are your receipts doing in the bin bag? OK, it might be a fluke finding one receipt in the bag, but two or three?' Cllr Evans also raised concerns about council bin wagons and recycling trucks. 'I've also been seeing a lot more bin wagons and recycling trucks contributing to rubbish falling out of recycling trucks,' he said. 'I've written to the heads of environment at Denbighshire County Council. 'What's happening is they're driving from village to village at 50mph, and the wind is blowing all the rubbish out the back.' He added: 'I had a resident follow a recycling truck from Henllan all the way back to the station in Denbigh a couple of months ago, and the back doors were open.' Denbighshire County Council was contacted for a comment.
