A CONTROVERSIAL one-way system will drive away visitors, it has been claimed.
Cllr Paul Pemberton fears introducing a one-way policy on a permanent basis along Stansty Road through Stansty Tunnel would put people off visiting Wrexham town centre.
Wrexham Council is due to today to end its consultation period on the much-debated proposal, following a trial period which generated strong criticism about traffic delays around the town centre.
A senior Wrexham Council official has conceded the trial period has received limited positive feedback.
The comments were made during a council meeting looking at ways to generate increased tourism opportunities in Wrexham.
Speaking of the need to make the most of gateways into Wrexham town centre, Cllr Pemberton, who represents Ponciau ward in Rhos, said: “I’m looking at Stansty Bridge but how we are even considering turning that into a one-way system beats me.
“It’s cutting off a gateway into Wrexham town centre. It has been taking me 30 minutes to drive from Rhos, normally it takes 15.
“If people cannot get into the town then they will go to Chester, Mold, Shrewsbury and spend their money elsewhere.”
Strong levels of criticism have been voiced about the one-way system since the trial period began in late September. The road has now reverted back to operating in both directions through the narrow tunnel, while the consultation feedback is assessed.
Lee Robinson, Wrexham Council’s strategic and performance director, said: “It was a trial to see what the impact was and most of the feedback has not been that positive.”
The comments were made during a lengthy debate on the authority’s Destination Management Plan 2012-17, which seeks to generate increased tourism benefits to Wrexham.
During a presentation to members of Wrexham Council’s employment, business and investment scrutiny committee, council officer Joe Bickerton spoke of the authority’s wish to improve signage to key attractions.
This included around the World Heritage Site at Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, identified as a hub for attracting investment to boost tourism numbers.
Cefn councillor Derek Wright said some views of the World Heritage Site are blocked by trees and cutting some of them down would help make it easier for people to access it. Other suggestions put forward included adding signage on the A483 to alert visitors to the existence of the World Heritage Site.
A report also identified Erddig Hall and the Glyn Ceiriog Valley as tourism hubs.
Public meeting over improvements
A PUBLIC meeting about improvements in Cefn Mawr and surrounding villages will be held on Friday, November 23.
The meeting at the George Edwards Hall, Cefn Mawr, will begin at 7.30pm explain how the clean-up of the villages can pay for itself, improve the local economy and potentially provide a significant number of full-time jobs and training opportunities.
This will be followed by a two-day exhibition on November
24-25 at the George Edwards Hall from 10am to 4pm.
More information available at www.plaskynastoncanalgroup.org