Wrexham to make fourth city status bid despite mixed views

The town has missed out on upgrading its status on three separate occasions in 2000, 2002 and 2012.

However, members of Wrexham Council's executive board have unanimously backed entering a competition to mark the Queen's Platinum Jubilee.

Senior councillors argued that when combined with schemes such as the Wrexham Gateway project to regenerate the Mold Road area of the town, it will deliver a large economic boost.

The bid has attracted opposition in some quarters with approximately 100 people turning up to a protest against the plans at the weekend.

The rally, organised by Plaid Cymru politicians, took place after a survey found 61 per cent (258) of people felt "not at all did Wrexham deserve to be a city".

But speaking at a meeting held today (Tuesday, December 7),  council leader Mark Pritchard urged councillors to set aside their differences and work together for the benefit of the town.

He said: “We have an opportunity as part of the Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebration next year to become a city.

“This isn't something that comes up often and we don't know when the next opportunity will arise.

“It is true that becoming a city doesn't bring immediate prosperity.

“It's how we use this as a platform for promoting Wrexham and developing the county borough to become the capital of North Wales and compete regionally as a destination.”

The town has recently been in the spotlight following Wrexham AFC's takeover by Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.

And the independent council leader highlighted their apparent enthusiasm for the bid as another reason to support it.

The pair were asked whether they backed the city status bid during their visit to Wrexham in October.

'It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia' star McElhenney responded by saying it "sounded like something you’d obviously want to support".

However, Plaid Cymru councillor Carrie Harper said the council had failed to win over the residents of Wrexham.

She said: “It's clear that many people here don't support it. It was two to one against in 2012 in that consultation and 61 per cent against based on your own consultation this time.

“That would have been even higher actually if you'd ask a straight yes or no question.

“Merthyr Tydfil had the good grace to ask people a straight question and subsequently they pulled out because people didn't support it.

“I think there is a cost to not taking people with you on the journey and not winning hearts and minds.”

Members of the council's independent/Conservative coalition hit back by claiming opponents had spread "misinformation" about the bid.

It came after they were forced to deny that becoming a city would lead to higher council tax rates and bigger salaries for councillors.

The Labour group, the largest opposition party on the council, also voiced its support for the bid.

Group leader Dana Davies said: “What we can't get away from in Wrexham is that our citizens are facing a triple threat.

“The cost of living crisis, the National Insurance increase for workers and the ceasing of the Covid-19 national support funding is putting our residents and families under a huge financial strain.

“Saying no for the sake of saying no, or even worse saying no for no reason at all, is not an option.

“If done properly, this city status bid could help to change our citizens lives for the better so they can actually prosper and thrive.”

The ten executive board members unanimously supported submitting a bid for city status at the end of the debate.

The deadline for applications for the competition is tomorrow (Wednesday, December 8) with a decision on which areas have been given city status expected next year.