Thousands battle for beauty spot

Flower beds in the garden are in memory of King George V

More than 4,000 people have signed a petition to save a north Wales beauty spot which could become besieged by wedding parties.

Areas of the botanical gardens in Rhyl are under threat after Denbighshire County Council put forward plans to move the town's register office alongside the park.

The community gardens date back more than 75 years and include flowers planted in memory of King George V who died in 1936.

"We hope the authority will listen to the people who've signed the petition," said Rhyl town mayor and Denbighshire County councillor Glyn Williams.

"The botanical gardens are extremely attractive, it's all on one level so people with disabilities can go around quite easily.

We get people from all over the country who come to the botanical gardens Cllr Glyn Williams

"We've got tennis courts there, a cafe there, bowls and there are benches to sit on.

"We get people from all over the country who come to the botanical gardens," he added.

The local authority want to move their offices from nearby Morfa Hall because the building is being sold.

They plan to move part of that operation, including their register office to a disused cafe within the gardens.

However, opponents believe it will be too near the bowling greens and could disrupt play.

If the scheme went ahead, trees would be chopped down to make way for a car park.

Mr Williams, who will hand over the petition on behalf of locals on Tuesday, said green space is already in short supply in Rhyl and the gardens should be kept in their entirety.