AREAS of Wrexham could be earmarked for tree planting and wildflower growing as part of an Open Spaces strategy.

The council is looking to introduce a strategy to oversee open areas ranging from playing fields to open meadows, including places such as Acton Park, Ty Mawr Country Park, The Dunks in Caia Park and the Llwyneinion Woods.

Lead member for the environment, Rossett Cllr Hugh Jones (Con) presented the report at a meeting of the homes and environment scrutiny committee and paid tribute to work done by Wrexham Glyndwr University researchers.

The report highlighted that people feel an increased connection with their local open spaces since the pandemic lockdowns, and the council is to ask for public feedback on the draft strategy in March and April.

Penycae Cllr John Phillips (Ind) asked whether individual consultation would take place for areas earmarked for growing wildflowers or planting, and asked whether it would impact grass cutting schedules.

He said: “What impact does it have on our grass-cutting standards?

“What happens in my ward when the grass cutting comes around and there’s a patch of grass that has been missed, I get complaints.”

Officers told Cllr Phillips that consultation will take place, but that the council does not want to create an expectation that every time a tree or flowers are planted, local residents or communities have to be consulted.

They hope that by having consultation during the drafting of the strategy, people will be able to give their views on their area then.

It will affect some grass-cutting regimes, but where areas are deemed appropriate for keeping short such as sports fields or playgrounds these will not be affected.

READ MORE; Wrexham Council drafts Open Spaces strategy

Lead member Cllr Jones said involving local councillors is key, and that as well as being consulted they should approach the council with their views.

“It’s a two-way flow”, he said.

“We want local members to come to us with ideas and suggestions, community councils to come to us with ideas and suggestions because if it is a bottom up approach, you’re more likely to get local buy-in and support for what we’re doing.”

Brymbo Cllr Paul Rogers (Ind) said: “I think it’s important that local members have a role to play as we live in the communities.

“If there is a lack of support from the community or local member, will officers confirm that will not move forward?

“On the issue of communication, I think it would help if there was appropriate signage which may be temporary when we first install these so the community does know what they are and that the grass-cutting teams haven’t just missed a bit which you quite often get in our wards.”

He added: “Has any consideration been made about the longer-term impact of planting lots of woodland in certain areas so close to highways?”

Cllr Rogers added that some areas in his ward where trees were planted 20 years ago are now becoming an issue, with large branches falling onto the highway.

Cllr Jones said: “Trees strategy and tree management is an important part of it.

“You’re absolutely right we have a statutory responsibility as a highways authority where trees present a danger to pedestrians or road users to take appropriate action.”

Cllr Jones added that funding has been generated to support the project and hopes Welsh Government will support it too.

He said: “Where Wrexham is at the moment is a pretty good place in terms of strategies such as this in response to the carbon emergency.”

Going forward there will be an online and paper survey based consultation on the strategy, as well as targeted discussions and an engagement event also earmarked for March.