A LOCAL employer has 'exciting' plans for job creation in the Deeside area.

In a time of uncertainty around COVID-19, some local businesses still work in the background to try and secure a more advantageous future for the people of Deeside.

Planning has been requested by Wilsons Auctions in Queensferry for the former Hawarden Castle Hotel which has been empty for 20 years.

It was bought by Wilsons in 2010 to utilise and expand the car park. Now, they want to build a new auction house on the former abandoned hotel to bring it back to use.

Peter Johnston, Group Operations Director from Wilsons Auctions said: "We see this expansion as another step towards helping further develop a great community that has supported our growth over the years.

The Leader:

Peter Johnston, Group Operations Director at Wilsons Auctions

"We truly believe in investing in our staff, the community, and the site as we grow our organisation."

The proposed development would also address the growing concerns of people parking on the road leading to Bridge Villas and the Blue Bridge, and that of the Health and Safety concerns of the young cadets at the RFC in Queensferry, by creating much needed in-house additional car parking areas.

Recently Enbarr Foundation has been working alongside Wilsons Auctions on some great employability projects within the local community to help support re-skilling, with much needed proficiencies to aid wellbeing and assist the youth in reaching their aspirations.

Vicki Roskams from Enbarr said: "We are proud to work alongside organisations like Wilsons Auctions, as they truly understand the meaning of community and their growth plans for the area are such a welcome response in this time of uncertainty."

Jack Sargeant MS added: "It was a great investment in the local area, where long-term jobs will be secured. Also, the road hazard would be addressed on the main thoroughfare from Queensferry to Garden City which has been a concern of Flintshire Council on several occasions, even with cone adjustments."

The auction house has also stepped forward to support local charities with an online auction, streamed across the world, raising over £45,000 for good causes.

With charities across the UK and Ireland feeling the impact of cancelled fundraising activities and gala balls due to the widespread coronavirus pandemic, the Wilsons Auctions team hosted their first ‘at home’ gala charity auction on May 1.

Bidders tuning in from as far away as Hong Kong, South Africa and Dubai to benefit charities including the NHS Foundation, NSPCC, Marie Curie, Mencap, Cancer Fund for Children, and more.

High-performing lots within the auction included: an original portrait of Colonel Tom Moore, kindly painted and donated by Scottish artist Craig Campbell to support Cancer Support which sold for a whopping £8,500; and an Olympic gold-medallist Tag Heuer watch gifted to Lady Mary Peters in aid of the Mary Peters Trust which sold for £1,200.

Reflecting on the success of ‘A Bid For Kindness’ Rebecca Wilson, Director and Auctioneer, said: "We are overwhelmed by the generosity demonstrated by our bidders as donors from across the UK and Ireland tuned in live to dig deep and support a variety of charities.

"At a time when everyone is feeling the financial strain of the Covid-19 crisis, we are so grateful to everyone who gave generously."

Following the success of this live online auction, Wilsons Auctions have put themselves forward to charities across the UK for future fundraising auctions.

Any charitable organisations that want to get involved can email abidforkindness@wilsonsauctions.com. Wilsons will be putting live a series of ‘buy-it-now’ and online timed auctions to continue the fundraising efforts for these very worthy charities.

For more opportunities to bid on items, experiences and initiatives to help support a wide range of charities visit www.wilsonsauctions.com.