"SOMETHING needs to be done" about traffic issues in the city centre on Wrexham AFC matchdays, claims a local resident. 

Attendances at the SToK Cae Ras have increased to over 13,000 since the football club was taken over by Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.

However, the Red Dragons' popularity has led to chaos on surrounding streets, with some fans reportedly blocking residents' drives and parking on double yellow lines.

In addition, for the 2024/25 season, a section of Crispin Lane is being closed two hours before and after kick off, in a bid to prevent traffic around the entrance to the ground. 

As a result, there have been huge issues with traffic in the vicinity of the Racecourse Ground, with a knock on effect to the Plas Coch Retail Park. 

A local resident, who wished to remain anonymous, contacted the Leader after being stuck in gridlocked traffic trying to leave the retail park for close to 45 minutes following a Wrexham game. 

They claim it has happened on a number of occasions and are calling for something to be done.

The resident, said: "I can't understand how this situation has been allowed to arrive. 

"It was gridlocked for over half an hour coming out of the car park. God forbid if there was any type of incident or emergency, I can't image any emergency services could be able to get through. 

"A lot of people were sat in their cars fuming, it wasn't just me. 

"Something needs to be done, whether it's an alternative exit at the back of the retail park or something similar, as it can't carry on like this."

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.”

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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."