Wrexham AFC: Concerns over Crispin Lane closure on matchday

For the 2024/25 season, a section of Crispin Lane will be closed two hours before and after kick off, in a bid to prevent traffic around the entrance to the ground. 

The closure was in place for the first time on Saturday as the Reds hosted Wycombe Wanderers on their return to League One. 

The road was closed from 2.30pm until 8.30pm, as 13,214 fans watched Wrexham win 3-2 - the biggest home attendance for a league game in 44 years. 

13,214 fans watched Saturday's game at the Racecourse. (Image: Gemma Thomas)

However, concerns have been raised by local councillor Marc Jones, who revealed he and other residents weren't consulted about the planned closure. 

Cllr Jones said that he felt he closure is going to have a knock on effect with traffic in the surrounding areas of the SToK Cae Ras. 

Cllr Jones added: "It's great to see the club back in action for a new season and starting off with a win against Wycombe. I'm one of the lucky ones who can walk to the ground from my home but many people travel a great distance to watch the Reds. 

"The closure of Crispin Lane for six hours on every match day is, I understand, to prevent people parking on the double-yellow lines there on matchdays. That's easily solved with having traffic wardens enforcing the regulations.

"My concern with having a six-hour closure on match days and evenings will mean additional traffic being funnelled under Stansty Bridge and onto Plas Coch Road, both of which are already major pinch points."

Cllr Marc Jones

The Plaid Cymru councillor also called on Wrexham Council and the football club to work together to deal with the growing crowds on match days. 

Cllr Jones added: "It's a change that will impact residents in my ward, who are already seeing the impact of the growing crowds at the Racecourse. Last Saturday saw the biggest league attendance for 44 years, which is great for the club and the town, but does have consequences for the local area because so many people travel by car. 

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"The club and council need to work together to improve the public transport available for match-day travel. Coaches from surrounding villages could reduce the number of cars coming into the area.

"There are plans for a park and ride but that needs implementing now not in the distant future. And we need matchday parking permits in the immediate area around the Racecourse to prioritise local residents.

"I'll continue to work with neighbouring councillors, the club and the council to try to improve the traffic situation."

The local authority admitted that there is room for improvement when it comes to dealing with crowds on match days in Wrexham, with potential options being looked at moving forward.

The council plan on using the car park on Ruthin Road to alleviate some pressures and have touted a possible park and ride as an option.

Cllr Mark Pritchard (Image: Wrexham Council)

Cllr Mark Pritchard, Leader of the Council, said: “We are working very closely with Wrexham Football Club and it is important that we manage match day traffic effectively whilst ensuring the safety of the football fans and the wider community.”

Councillor David A Bithell Deputy Leader of the Council added: “We welcome the increased attendances at the football club which is good for Wrexham. We also recognise that public safety is paramount.

"The Council is working closely with the football Club, and we agree that we need to work together to address the impacts of bigger crowds. The Council at the last Executive Board agreed to develop long term plans for parking including alternative sites.

"Possible park and ride are something we also need to consider for the future. In the meantime, we will look at the arrangements in place, but these are governed by our safety advisory group who work closely with the police."

Wrexham AFC were approached for a comment.