A VOLUNTEER group set up to help revitalise an empty historic building in Chirk is going from strength to strength.

The Gwyn Wylfa Development Trust was formed last autumn to look at ways of breathing new life into the former council offices in Castle Road.

The group is already making good progress with support from Wrexham Council, which still owns the site, and recently carried out a survey asking local residents how they would like to see the building used in the future.

Mick Ramsey, one of the volunteers involved in setting up the trust, said: “We really appreciate the response from residents to our questionnaire.

“There were lots of suggestions that were very interesting and informative.

“The building will have to be self-financing, so we’re probably going to have to strike the perfect balance between community and commercial use, which will be no simple task.”

The trust has also been busy working up a business plan and formalising its identity as a registered company.

Mr Ramsey added: “Wrexham Council has set us a challenging timetable and we’ve been meeting twice a month to make sure things progress.

“The volunteers have already given a lot of time and expertise towards setting up the administrative side of things and conducting research needed to help develop a business plan.

“Once the plan is finalised, we hope the council will grant us a lease for the site and then we can really start to push forward with renovating the building.”