Informed sources suggest that there is to be informal meetings this morning with St Peter's Square businesses over the pavement 'extensions'. Our county councillors appear to be in a spin about them. There must be an election looming (May 2022). In fact, two councillors emerged against and one in favour, with the latter seemingly changing his mind or, at least, not making it very clear. Monday saw a Rhuthun/Ruthin area members' group meeting, an unrecorded, in camera session to which the public are unwelcome, at which councillors decided to shift them altogether.
At the town council of September 27th, one councillor said that 'it isn't that they are unwanted but a case of bad timing'.
The much-delayed so-called 'parklets' appeared on August 31st, immediately after the bank holiday. Poor timing, indeed, but businesses who wanted them seemed to take an age in making decisions. One such as Bar Llaeth. No sooner had they signed up than they changed their mind. As soon as it went in, State of Distress decided that they fancied one and effectively took Car Llaeth's over—even though Ste of Distress doesn't qualify for one, because they aren't a hospitality business. This distressed Bar Llaeth, who had to suffer something they didn't now want outside their premises but used by another. It couldn't go outside State of Distress, because it was too close to the corner and would cause issues for traffic.
The extensions have never really been used (wrong time of year, again,) although we have noticed those visiting evening hospitality moving in. Personally, we think the principle is a good one but may be better wither under the tree canopy in the centre of the Square; or as part of a revamped Square, if and when 'Levelling Up' funding becomes available.
