Rhyl Community Fire Station is celebrating after seeing its 100,000 visitor to the station since opening its doors to the community back in September 2008. The Community Fire Station, the first purpose built facility of its kind in Wales, was officially opened by Rt. Hon Rhodri Morgan AM, First Minister, is sited on Coast Road, Rhyl and is a fully operational fire station which offers a range of community facilities including meeting rooms which can be hired out by local groups or businesses.

The station has over 100 different regular groups which use their meeting rooms for day and evening activities, these range from Badgers, St Johns, Relate, Stop Smoking Wales to Local Councils and Colleges. Local residents have also had the opportunity to learn new skills including digital photography and sewing.

Nia Evans, Rhyl Community Fire Station Co-ordinator explains the concept behind the community fire station: “We wanted to offer a non threatening environment where members of the public could come along and attend a range of community based classes or meetings, and at the same time be introduced to the importance of fire safety. We have been able to access hard to reach groups who may not have otherwise had the opportunity to approach, and been able to make them realise that by making a few simple changes in their home they can help protect themselves and their families from fire.”

“Our concept has proved an outstanding success, with 100,000 visitors to the station since September 2008 enjoying the facilities and taking on board the safety messages they encounter as part of their visit. The facility has proved to be a valuable asset to the local community whereby individuals from all age groups are benefiting, and although the station is extremely popular, I would still urge anyone looking for a venue to hold their activities, during the day or evening, to contact the station”.

RythymTime Rhyl attends the station every Friday morning and around 30 people enjoy taking part in their sessions at the station. They provide music classes for Babies, Toddlers and Pre-school children throughout the UK to help develop confidence, creativity and coordination. The 100,000 visitor was amongst this group and they celebrated with a cake provided by North Wales Fire and Rescue Service.

Rhyl Community Fire Station has multi purpose rooms available to hire during the day and evening. Facilities include free internet access, video conferencing, IT suits and coffee areas, all charged at competitive rates. For more information please contact 01745 352722 or visit www.nwales-fireservice.org.uk.