Llandudno street aiming to be the safest in North Wales

Jun 3 2010 by Judith Phillips, North Wales Weekly News

Mostyn Street

A COMBINED effort between licensees, police and the county council could see Llandudno’s Upper Mostyn Street labelled the safest place for a night out in North Wales.

The aim is to get coveted Purple Flag status for the area, which in the words of one licensee would “make even 80-year old ladies feel they can come here on a Saturday night.”

In recent years the street has become the hub of the resort’s nightlife with trendy bars and cafes, and although there have been no major outbreaks of trouble, there have been complaints from residents of late night noise.

But licensees say they are as keen as anyone to make sure that people can enjoy a night out with the minimum of noise and disruption for residents, and have suggested a number of initiatives which are being discussed with the police and council.

“We are working closely with the authorities because we want Upper Mostyn Street to be a place that people can walk through late at night and feel safe, and where others can enjoy a happy evening out,” said Richard Bradbury owner of Club 147, which last year won the overall award for the best run bar in Conwy and Denbighshire.

“We have already taken steps to keep noise to the minimum. For instance establishments take all tables and chairs off their forecourts after 11pm. We would like to see better street lighting in the area, and more litter bins, and have suggested that pedestrianising the street after 6pm on Fridays and Saturdays would help. It would mean the pavements don’t get too congested and create a more relaxed atmosphere,” he added.

And Darren Randle, manager of the popular Fountains Cafe Bar said he was also in close contact with other licensees, the police, and council, and favoured the two nights a week pedestrianisation idea.

“Three of us here employ the same company which provides very professional door staff and we alert each other and the police if there is any sign of trouble breaking out which helps keep disruption to a minimum. We want this to be the safest place in North Wales for a night out,” he explained.

Roly Schwartz is community enforcement manager for Conwy and Denbighshire county councils and is calling a meeting later this month where residents and licensees can discuss concerns.

“We are working closely with everyone concerned to balance the needs of residents and those of the licensees who have businesses to run. I’m aware that some of the licensees would like to see the street pedestrianised on Friday and Saturday evenings but we need to get the views of the residents on that.

“We’re very keen to progress a series of things which would help the area get Purple Flag status,” he said.

Inspector Ian Verburg is also keen on achieving a Purple Flag.

“The recent introduction of taxi marshals at the taxi rank in Gloddaeth Street is one step towards that. They help ensure that late night taxi queues are kept trouble free, there are other issues that need to be addressed and we are working closely with the licensees and council officers to address them,” he commented.