Wait goes on for repair work to start on Newbridge Road in Wrexham

Member of the Senedd Ken Skates has revealed he is regularly dealing with queries from constituents regarding the landslide on Newbridge Road. 

The road has been out of action for almost two years, since it was damaged during storm Christoph in January 2021. 

The Welsh Government announced in May that it had provided £2.8m to Wrexham Council to cover the cost of repairs. A drone image from Newbridge Road. (Image: Colin Milburn)

It was then announced in July that work would begin this Autumn, to put an end to a 'difficult' period for residents and businesses. 

However, as we head into December, there is still no sign of an exact date for when the work will start. 

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Mr Skates has hopes that the repairs will start sooner rather than later. 

He said: “I am still being contacted on a regular basis by constituents and people from further afield asking what is happening. My understanding from Wrexham Council is that work is still due to commence in the autumn. 

“Having been involved in the campaign for funding along with local Labour councillors Derek Wright and Frank Hemmings, I was delighted when the Welsh Government awarded Wrexham Council £2.8m to repair and reopen the work back in April.

Ken Skates

"This was in addition to the £175,000 Welsh Ministers had earlier given the council for ground investigation and designs of remedial works. 

“The matter is the responsibility of Wrexham Council, and I have made numerous representations to the council on behalf of my constituents.  

“Unfortunately, this isn’t an issue I have any control over since the Welsh Government funding was announced. I will continue to press the case for urgency with Wrexham Council and hope they will soon be in a position to announce a start date and schedule.” 

Speaking at Wrexham Council's Executive Board meeting on October 11, Cllr Hugh Jones said: “The progress on Newbridge has been determined by the release of funds from the Welsh Government.

“We currently have various technical experts on site," he added.

“I have asked that a report be brought forward for all members of the council and indeed all members of the public because clearly they are concerned.

“Once the technical information is finalised and fed in we will have a report that will come to members and that will be shared with the public so they will be fully aware of the timescale.”

In a letter of response to Ken Skates on October 21, Cllr Jones added that further monitoring of the ground was taking place. 

He also stated that talks were on going with clients to ensure that the work was completed to the 'highest possible standard'. 

Wrexham Council has been approached for comment.