A retailer's decision to pull out of a village development plan has come as a "massive blow" to residents.

The Co-op was due to build a new store on the grounds of the Llay Royal British Legion on Llay New Road as part of a wider plan to build 51 houses on the site as well - with planning permission having been granted three years ago. 

However, both of Llay's county councillors have recently been informed that the Co-Op have changed their minds and no longer wish to have a retail unit in Llay.

For many years the Co-Op had a store in Llay at the bottom of Shones Lane, but this was damaged by fire back in 2016 and has not re-opened since. 

It has been widely assumed that the long-term plan would be to build a new shop a few hundred metres away across the busy Llay New Road. 

Planning permission has already been granted to demolish the old Co-Op store and build four new apartments on this site instead.

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Councillor Bryan Apsley said: "The decision by the Co-Op not to build on the Llay Legion site is a massive blow to residents who live on the Llay Green Estate and to those like myself, who live at the bottom end of Llay, by Pentre Street/Bryn Place.

"Llay is a massive village, yet we only have two shops on Market Square that are very close to one another and a new Aldi, that although has been successful is located right at the top of the village.”

Councillor Rob Walsh said: “I was never keen on the location proposed for the Co-Op store on the Legion grounds, but I reluctantly supported it due to the need for a retail unit in that part of the village. 

"Whilst I understand that the Co-Op must make commercials decisions to suit their own business models, it means that residents who live at the bottom end of Llay are left without nearby shops indefinitely. 

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"The future of that piece of land is now uncertain. However, I would urge any retail businesses, or any specialist ones such as eateries, butchers, etc. to consider looking at coming to Llay. 

"I appreciate finding the precise ideal location can be challenging but we are a large community who would welcome such ventures being set up locally.”

A spokesperson for Co-op, said: “Co-op is committed to serving local communities across the Wrexham area and North Wales.

"However, unfortunately and after careful consideration, we have made the difficult decision to withdraw our interest in this site.”