PEOPLE living and working in Cefn Mawr are being urged to share their views on a major project which aims to breathe new life into the village.

An exhibition and consultation event is being held at the Ebenezer Centre to give people the chance to learn more about the Town Heritage Initiative (THI) and to give their feedback to Wrexham Council.

The project is helping to restore historic buildings in the village, bringing them back to life and finding new uses that can benefit local people.

The first phase has seen more than £3 million of public money pumped into the village, restoring 18 historic buildings. These include 13 shops, four houses or cottages and the Ebenezer Chapel.

Eleven new flats have also been created in the empty space above the shops.

The second phase of the scheme is set to begin soon with a further £1.2 million of Heritage Lottery cash and other money being used to restore the historic heart of the village.

Cllr Warren Coleman, chairman of the Cefn Mawr Regeneration and THI Steering Group, said: “This exhibition is a great opportunity for local people, businesses and groups to share their thoughts on the scheme so far, and to hear more about plans for the second phase.

“The fact Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Canal recently became a World Heritage Site means the project is even more important now, as the village has close historic industrial links with the site.

“We’re keen to listen to the thoughts and views of the local community before we push ahead with phase two.”

The latest building to be painstakingly returned to its original glory is the former Maypole Dairy Company shop in Crane Street.

Paul Blackburn, regeneration project manager at Wrexham Council, said: “The original details have been carefully recreated with help from local specialists, including the cast-iron cresting, richly detailed fascia, signage and a beautiful mosaic threshold reproduced from old photographs.

“During the restoration, historic tiles were also uncovered on the interior walls.

“The original manufacturer is still operating in Ironbridge, Shropshire, so any missing or damaged tiles have been carefully replaced with their help.”

The exhibition and consultation takes place at the Ebenezer Centre between 10am and 4pm from November 17 to November 19.

Paul Blackburn and heritage advisor Anne Morris will be on hand to answer questions and will also be available to talk at the centre between 10am and 2pm on Saturday, November 20.