Thousands of pounds have been pledged towards challenging an "unfair and democratic situation" imposed on a county council.

The Leader reported in November how a Judge quashed two votes carried out by Wrexham Councillors to refuse the adoption of the county's Local Development Plan (LDP.)

Wrexham Council "deliberately, in the face of legal advice and recommendation, declined to carry out its legal duty," by its refusals of the plan, the Judge said.

The authority was therefore instructed to hold another vote to adopt the LDP - which it did at an extraordinary meeting in December.

But a number of councillors aired their concerns about being made to go against their beliefs, with some walking out of the meeting and other not attending at all.

Cllr Carrie Harper likened the situation to having "a gun to our heads" given the risk of further court action - even imprisonment - should the council defy the Judge's ruling.

Now, an appeal on the legal fundraising platform CrowdJustice, set up it says by "Wrexham Councillors" has received around £3,500 in pledges in order to "obtain legal advice" about the situation.

A statement on the page says the democratic process "has been undermined," adding: "Wrexham councillors' steadfast refusal to adopt its Local Development Plan as being unsound for our community was challenged by a consortium of large housing developers in the High Court in November 2023. 

"Wrexham Council failed to defend the action and, unopposed, the court order quashed two previous votes and ordered a further vote which took place in December 2023. 

"We believe this case will have implications for councillors across the whole of Wales and the UK, as well as residents everywhere who are affected by local plans and applications.

"The LDP, as it stands, is not in the best interests of Wrexham and its people. 

"That's why we're seeking to challenge this fundamentally unfair and undemocratic situation via a court review of the council's decision to adopt the plan by bringing proceedings through the planning court.

"Time is very tight and we need to raise £6,500 to obtain a legal advice.

"This is the first step to getting justice for our communities."

The appeal's total goal is £6,500 and there are 26 days to go.