A MARKET could undergo a revamp in a bid to bring more people to the town centre.
Community leaders in Rhyl have put forward grand plans for the market, which currently takes place every Thursday and Saturday on Market Street and the High Street.
Ideas include moving vans from behind the Town Hall as they “detracted” from the pleasant floral space, especially with the upcoming the Wales in Bloom competition, and using empty shop fronts as “pop up” shops.
Specialist stalls including craft, farmers’ produce and continental produce could also be held at the Events Arena to complement the existing market.
In a recent report Rhyl town councillors levelled both criticism and praise at the enterprise, which was set up by Rhyl entrepreneur Ray Worsnop before being taken over by Denbighshire Council last year.
The report stated: “Members commented that generally speaking they were in support of the market, which they felt had increased footfall in the town centre.
“Markets, themed or otherwise, have to be given time to establish themselves on particular days of the week, which requires regularity.”
Councillors also pointed out that after the market the volume of litter in the street went up, but argued stalls should remain in the High Street as footfall has increased for all town retailers on market days, but should not compete with established shops.
Town councillor Peter Williams said he agreed with the proposals and said the town council was looking to get the town centre “back on track”.
He said: “The market does bring people into the town centre.
We want to encourage people into the town and also for people to take the empty shops.
“We must look at the town centre because there are too many empty shops.
We need to get our heads together and look at what help we can give.
“The market is one way of doing that.”
The market was given temporary planning permission for 18 months last year and the report was given by the town council in response to a monitoring exercise by Denbighshire Council.
A spokesman for Denbighshire County Council said: “The council works hard to ensure that Rhyl Market runs as smoothly and efficiently as possible and carries out work to make sure the market is presentable for shoppers and visitors.
“The new look stalls providing a uniform approach has enhanced the look and feel of the market, but we would always welcome any feedback or ideas on how we can further develop the market and we will consider any ideas submitted to the council.
“In the meantime the council is about to launch a marketing campaign with a view to encouraging more residents and visitors to attend Rhyl Market on Thursdays and Saturdays to see the variety of goods on sale and to provide a boost for businesses not only in the market, but in the town centre as a whole.”