COUNCILLORS are to take a closer look at the running costs of a proposed £700,000 family centre.

Wrexham Council had pencilled in the cash after plans to build a centre on Rhosnesni Playing Field in Acton met opposition from residents.

Acton Community Council agreed with the authority to spend the money instead on extending and improving facilities at the existing community centre in Overton Way.

Acton Children's Centre is to stay at its old centre in nearby Chester Avenue and not move to the new premises.

Dylan Hughes, Wrexham’s libraries officer told the community councillors at a meeting this week he had a lot of experience in costing out such centres and the proposed new centre would have a large deficit after the first year’s costs.

He said the centre would have excellent facilities but would have to have additional staff.

Susan Evans, head of Wrexham’s children and families service said Acton Children’s Centre wanted exclusive use of facilities and was adamant it would stay in its present centre.

Cllr Brian Kyffin said Acton had become the “Cinderella area” of Wrexham, losing out to other communities.

Chairman Cllr Anne Evans said: “We all want the new improved centre as soon as possible but we must take a detailed and close look at the costings as we can not be cavalier with ratepayers’ money especially in a time of recession.”

Cllr Jim Kelly agreed and said it was vital the council examined what was aging to be available for the community, and exactly how much it was going to cost.

The community council decided to have a special meeting to discuss the costing details and then have another meeting with Mr Hughes before a final decision was made.