Rhyl West is listed on the Assembly's Index of Multiple Deprivation as the most deprived ward in the whole of Wales.

For all the problems the west end has, there are many local people who are doing good work in the community

Ann Jones AM

Neighbouring Rhyl South West lies in 49th place.

To tackle the financial problem in areas of Wales, the assembly has launched an £82m project called Communities First.

The scheme aims to take decision making away from bureaucrats and into the hands of local residents who know first-hand what problems need to be tackled.

Vale of Clwyd, AM Ann Jones said: "For all the problems the West End has, there are many local people who are doing good work in the community.

"Because they come from the area these people know what the problems are and are trusted by local residents."

Projects which have already been set up to improve the area, include a drop-in centre, bond bank and credit union.

Edwina Hart will tour Rhyl

The town, along with nearby Prestatyn, has also been the focus of the largest drugs crackdown by North Wales Police.

In February 2002, the last of 26 drug dealers was sent to jail following the operation, codenamed Decade.

In a separate initiative, civilian wardens have taken to the streets of Rhyl and Denbigh, offering help and advice to residents.

Organisations involved in that scheme include the community safety group Stars, Denbighshire County Council and North Wales Police

Communities First has been earmarked as a major regeneration project for the town.

It has been highlighted in the strategy document 'Rhyl Going Forward' and in the policing assessment for Rhyl West carried out for the Home Office.

Ms Jones added: "Progress on setting up Communities First projects in Denbighshire has been disappointing.

"I hope that by showing the minister around we may be able to leapfrog some of the hurdles."