Multi-million cash boost for Wrexham's road network

It is hoped the scheme will help attract new businesses to the town and boost jobs.

Deputy First Minister Ieuan Wyn Jones has announced the decision, which will see about £7.5 million come to Wrexham.

The county council said it means the industrial estate access road is a step nearer to completion following the Assembly's announcement to the local authority of continuing funding for 2010/11

The money is for ongoing scheme development works to be undertaken during 2010/11 and has been welcomed by Cllr David Bithell, lead member for the environment and transport, who said: “This is wonderful news for the whole of Wrexham.

"New routes into our industrial estate will bring economic benefits and secure the long term future of the estate.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Assembly for the grant which recognises the importance of improved transport links to one of the country's largest industrial estates.

"I am also very grateful to all the officers who have worked hard to secure this funding to bring the project to fruition.”

Wrexham AM Lesley Griffiths said that she was very pleased with the announcement and stressed its importance to the development of the area’s economy.

“I am delighted the Welsh Assembly Government has allocated the funds that are required for this much needed road to the industrial estate to continue to progress.

"We need to attract new businesses to the estate and this road will help achieve that,” she said.

The council says it now awaits a ministerial decision on compulsory purchase and side roads orders, following a public inquiry in October last year.

Subject to confirmation of those orders, it is expected that construction will start in the spring of 2011 following advanced environmental works including providing a safe future for great crested newts, bats and badgers along the route.

Advanced works will also include fencing, site clearance and the diversion of a high pressure gas main.