Ruthin: A market town of the future?
If you think of Ruthin then an image of historic properties around St Peter's Square, along with the clock tower, and gaol probably come to mind.
But those who really know Ruthin have been looking forward, not back of late, and they plan to create other ways to attract people to town and make it a better place in which to live and work.
It's all part of Ruthin Town Council's strategy, a Market Town of the Future or, as locals call it, the masterplan.
But that's not all that's going on in Ruthin.
Under the name Ruthin Forward, a community group is uniting locals, according to chairman Jeff Brimble.
"We're trying to reinvigorate community spirit and put some fun back into the community," said Jeff who runs his own business from the town.
To keep everyone updated and acting as forum for ideas there is the Ruthin Blog and separate community newsletter, Town & Around written by the Ruthin and District Civic Association.
Plus, Ruthin Craft Centre acts as a cultural hub for the town.
But it doesn't stop there either.
A series of events are being planned to bring locals together and to attract some attention from outside town.
The first is a scarecrow trail (17-22 May) with buildings and gardens occupied by scarecrows resembling celebrities or famous faces from long ago.
Other events include a medieval and country show (26-27 June), and an event for Halloween.
Plus, a Tom Pryce commemmoration weekend has also been suggested, in memory of the Ruthin-born F1 racing driver.
As an aside, in June, the Institute of Welsh Affairs (IWA) hosts a conference, New Life for Town Centres which includes Ruthin's plans, blogs Derek Jones from Ruthin, a member of Civic Trust Wales and Ruthin and District Civic Association.
