A partnership approach to problem solving is key to tackling street drinking in an area of Rhyl.
Months after the old toll booth structure on Morley Road car park was demolished, police and their partners have been busy completing the work of making the surrounding area far less attractive for street drinkers.
Working in partnership with Denbighshire County Council, short fencing is now in place around the flower beds and a fence near the exit at the back of Morley Road car park has also been moved – taking away the ability for individuals to sit and drink in the area.
“Removing of the old car park toll booth in April had a very positive effect in deterring street drinkers from using the area,” said PC John Wickerson. “It made a huge difference and the area is no longer littered with empty cans and bottles. From time to time however a very small number of individuals have been seen drinking near the back of the car park. This area is also used by the public as a walkway to the train station. Thanks to the work, members of the public no longer have to walk past drinkers who were using the exit as a seating area.”
PC Wickerson added: “Regular patrols will continue in the area but the new short fencing and the moving of the original fencing should help to further deter people from drinking in the area. It’s a simple yet effective measure.”
Councillor David Smith, Denbighshire County Council’s Cabinet Lead Member for Environment, said:
“This is yet another example of how North Wales Police and Denbighshire County Council are working together to prevent crime and to improve the quality of life in the area. Our aim is to make Rhyl a safer place for people to live in and visit and projects like this also help improve the visual image of this part of town. It should also offer reassurance and confidence that working together for the benefit of the local community is really paying dividends”.
