WORK has started to repair a road in Wrexham which was damaged during Storm Babet.

A landslide occurred on Smithy Lane in Pentrebychan, near Rhosllanerchgrugog, resulting from heavy rainfall during the storm in October.

The council has designed a repair and appointed a contractor, with work beginning on Moday (December 4).

Councillor Hugh Jones, Wrexham Council's lead member for environment, said: “This is an important road for the local community, so we’ve worked extremely hard to work up our designs and appoint a quality contractor in a very short timescale.

“We’ve appointed a suitable contractor to undertake the repairs, who are very experienced in completing this type of work.

“Adverse weather is becoming more frequent in the UK and we have procedures in place to help us respond quickly during a storm. However, it’s just as important that we help our communities to recover afterwards."

He added: “Timescales for completion means the road should be opened before the Christmas shutdown, but I’m delighted we’ve been able to appoint contractors to repair Smithy Lane in such a short timescale.”

MORE NEWS: 

Councillor Fred Roberts, who represents the local Rhos ward, said: “The storm hit us hard and the damage to the road was a bit of a blow, but I’m delighted we’ve been able to move so quickly.

“The council is funding the repairs by adjusting its planned work programme, as it recognises that fixing the road is a priority for the community.

“This is good news and I look forward to seeing the work get underway.”

Councillor Paul Pemberton, who represents the nearby Ponciau ward, added: “I’ve had many enquiries from my ward – which is adjoining – from concerned residents  who were affected.

“Councillor Roberts and myself have been in dialogue with officers from the start and have tried to keep residents updated. I would like to thank everyone for their prompt actions and look forward to the re-opening of the road.”