"It's a case of so far so good. The new [flood defence] scheme appears to be working but we will just have to wait and see. Despite the problems there have been with the new flood defences, including excessive expenditure, if things remain the way they are residents will be extremely grateful to have the scheme in place"The flood relief scheme opened operationally from late November 2003, following construction that began the previous February (2003).The final cost of the scheme was £5,177,762, funded by both Denbighshire council and what was then called the Welsh assembly government.
The Denbighshire Free Press optimistically said that "the new broadband exchange will provide faster internet access for home users and businesses and could also open up the possibility of future investment in the town by hi-tech companies". Of course, this last point was nothing other than a pipedream. It never happened and it shows the lack of understanding regarding the infrastructure. It's sobering that, at the time the paper was printed, anyone online would have been using dial-up and even possibly paying a penny per minute.
In February 2004, the newspaper cost 42p. This is equivalent to 59p today. Yet, the Free Press today runs at 65p or 10 per cent ahead of inflation.
"Bring your partner for a special romantic meal any evening during Valentine's week (sic) and we promise… a special present for you as you leave to ensure your best chance of what should come next!"Further in the paper is a larger advert for The Castle Hotel that offers a candlelit three-course dinner on Saturday February 14th for £24.95 including that mystery gift.
The Bryn Morfydd was offering "four exquisite courses", also available in its newly refurbished lounge bar. Its Passpatouts restaurant was soon to open. Did they mean passe-partout?
Rod Taylor brought his regular monthly weather report, on page 5. On page 21 was another regular column, the weekly "Not Just for Women".
Swayne Johnson was advertising just two branches, one in Dinbych and the other in Llanelwy/St Asaph. Gamlin's was advertising as one branch only, in Y Rhyl.
