A PROTEST was held in a Flintshire town today (September 15) in order to highlight a number of issues as the First Minister paid a visit to north Wales.

Mark Drakeford visited the Plas Yr Ywen care home in Holywell at around midday to see the work that has been done there since it opened in 2021.

Located on the site of a former primary school, the 55-apartment facility offers independent living for people aged 50+ with access to a range of facilities and 24-hour on site care and support.

During Mr Drakeford's visit, residents, councillors and business owners alike gathered in numbers outside the care home in protest.

They were doing so to raise the issue of businesses repeatedly closing in the town due to worries over rising energy costs, rent costs, the incoming speed limit change to 20mph and more.

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Those involved held up placards with 'Save Our Town', 'Hi Costs Close Businesses' and more on them.

The protest was organised by town councillor Daniel Thomas, who had been out handing out leaflets ahead of the gathering.

Mr Thomas', whose family also have their own furniture business in town, contacted the Leader earlier this week to raise his concerns over the number of firms being 'forced' to close in the town.

He said that the aim of the protest was to make the First Minister aware of 'what is happening' in Holywell, as well as 'in other towns across north Wales'.

Speaking after the protest, he said: "As a town councillor and business owner in Holywell, it’s was great to see so many people come out to support our businesses in our campaign to help save our town.

"There were also lots of 20mph campaigners there who are worried about how the speed changes are going to effect their businesses, tourism and people getting to work and so on."

Mr Drakeford was also pictured via social media in Bodelwyddan during his visit to north Wales.

When approached for comment, a Welsh Government spokesperson said they 'weren't aware' of any protest having taken place in Holywell.