PLANS are under way to set up a beach in the middle of Wrexham to boost the town’s economy.
The aim of the event is to attract people into the town in a school holiday period so that families can enjoy the fun normally associated with the seaside.
The proposals, outlined by Amanda Davies, Wrexham Council’s marketing and promotions manager, were supported by members of Wrexham Town Centre Forum at its meeting yesterday.
The forum has been discussing ways in which to promote Wrexham and Ms Davies put forward suggestions which included the Wrexham-On-Sea theme.
“This is something different and would help to get people in. There are of course factors like the weather involved,” Ms Davies said.
There are a number of companies specialising in setting up a beach in an urban environment.
Facilities can include a 9m by 14m beach with daytime staffing, overnight security, 50 deckchairs, face painting, stilt walkers, buckets and spades, 125 helium balloons to give away daily and sounds of the sea playing over a PA system.
The cost is £8,500 for two days and £1,250 per day after that. There are add ons including fairground rides, candy floss, donkeys and temporary toilets.
“I love the idea of donkey rides in the town,” Ms Davies said.
Members were enthusiastic about the proposals but stressed the need to get pricing structures correct or people would be discouraged.
There was also concern raised about the potential for bad weather getting in the way of the fun.
Ms Davies said making arrangements for a covered area would put costs up significantly. “It is a gamble like any outdoor event,” she added.
Other possible celebrations to help trade for small businesses include July 4 marking American Independence Day, only in this case it would be Independents’ Day.
The aim would be to support Wrexham’s independent traders.
Among the ideas being put forward for consideration are participating shops being festooned with masses of colourful bunting, balloons, holding special promotions, store window contests, events and a prize draw.
There would be a campaign to advertise all the attractions.
l Other towns and cities which have previously hosted urban beaches include Liverpool, Birmingham, Coventry, London and Goole.