MORE than 2,000 people have backed ambitious plans to build a £15m marina in Cefn.

A petition has attracted widespread local support as campaigners plan to push ahead with the idea, which they say could create a whole new tourism industry in the area.

The group behind the marina, the Plas Kynaston Canal and Marina Group, handed their plans to council leader Aled Roberts at Wrexham's Guildhall on Friday.

They want the council to include the proposals, which also include a working forge or museum, in the authority’s forthcoming local development plan (LDP)

Among those behind the plan, which includes extending Llangollen canal and building a marina for 60 boats, is the sub-postmaster of Cefn Post Office, David Taylor.

He said: “We want to re-establish Cefn as a proper community.

“This is probably the most important thing that the area has seen.  

“It could give the Wrexham area a destination to be proud of, a whole tourism industry.”

The group have already been in talks with the council and British Waterways about the plans, and will be having discussions in future about how to finance the project.

Cllr Roberts said the petition and plans would be officially raised at a council meeting on either September 22 or 26. During the meeting the group will have the opportunity to present their ideas formally.

Cllr Roberts added that council's the public protection team were liaising with owners at the former Flexsys site, which is included in the plans.

There are concerns over contamination issues on the land. 

Another member of the group, Stephen Wadsworth said it was 'exciting' to see the plans handed in to the council.

He added: “It’s taken a lot of work from a lot of people."