As politicians and the business community get ready to make it fourth time lucky with Wrexham's city status bid, the news of the plan has received a less than positive reaction from the people of the town.

Wrexham Council say the jump to city status, with towns across the UK competing for the honour to mark the Queen's Platinum Jubilee, will help regenerate the local economy in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The local authority also revealed it's considering a separate bid to become the next UK City of Culture in 2025.

READ: "It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."

But the proposals haven't gone down well with everyone.

Steven Vale, owner of Caroline's Viennese Patisserie, in Central Arcade, said: "You can't but help feel 'here we go again' as the subject of city status is yet again rolled out before the people of Wrexham.

"Who can blame the hard pressed public for viewing the idea with suspicion and fears of even more unaffordable council tax hikes to sponsor vanity projects we do not either want or need and the lack of public amenities?

"After all the constant aggravation we have suffered as a business, I thought I would make a Freedom of Information request to see how many enforcements WCBC had made since the introduction of the public spaces protection order, which they have in place in the town centre?

"The answer - none! I think another pot of tax payers' cash is about to be flushed down the loo!"

Many Leader readers took to our Facebook page to have their say, with many saying making the most of the town they already have should be key.

Kelly Hopkins said: "Those living in Wrexham want to make the town a better place again. Easier said than done, granted, but I can't see how they have even tried?

"On the plus side if, Wrexham were to get city status, they would more than likely get a bigger salary!"

Nigel Whitby said: "You only have to see the vegetation growing out of the old walls of heritage buildings all over the town (what's left of them) to realize how much the council cares about the appearance of what's left of its character and historic past.

"Be proud of this historic place being called a town."

Gareth Edwards said: "Waste of time and money, concentrate on Wrexham as a border market town with a huge wealth of industrial heritage."

Brenda Heard said: "Let's concentrate on getting our town back up and running."

Like many, Mark Andrew Jones was disappointed that the council are attempting the bid again.

He said: "We've had this three time and failed. The council asked the people, the people voted against it.

"The council ignored it, tried for city status and failed again. Time to accept it's not wanted and focus on Wrexham as a brilliant market town."

Trisha Haynes said: "Surely a place needs shops and attractive places to visit before it can even think about city status.

"Wrexham Council need to concentrate on actually improving what town is left before thinking about whether or not it could be a city."

There were plenty who see the bid as nothing more than a 'vanity project'.

Dave Millington said: "I can't see what benefit it would be to the people of Wrexham.

"Town's full of empty buildings and homeless people, let's get our priorities right and make this town something to be proud of.

"Rather live in a town that takes care of its own, than somewhere that wants city at the end of its name just for vanity."

Malcolm Williams raised a concern shared by many, adding: "What will it bring to Wrexham and at what cost for Wrexham?"

• What do you think? Let us know you thoughts on the plans for a city status bid - email news@leaderlive.co.uk