PROGRESS continues to be made in regenerating an important entry route into Wrexham town ccntre.

Offa ward councillor Alun Jenkins told the Leader he hoped to see a big difference in Pen y Bryn over the next few years, with housing and retail construction projects currently underway on two formerly disused sites.

Last year Wrexham Council announced loans backed by the Welsh Government’s Vibrant and Viable Places (VVP) helped to kick-start the redevelopment of a derelict building which collapsed in Pen y Bryn in 2015.

The site, next to Caldecott and Sons funeral directors, is nearing completion and comprises a combination of homes and retail spaces.

Slightly further up the hill, homes are under construction on the site of the former Red Cow pub.

Cllr Jenkins told the Leader the developments are to be welcomed and he hopes to see similar progress at other vacant sites down the road.

Speaking of the two large disused parcels of land at the bottom of Bridge Street, he said Wrexham Council is still in talks over the future of the sites.

He added: "It is important to get the right development there so the council is taking great care.

"It has to tie in with the town centre master plan.

"The last thing we want is for someone to come along with a car showroom or another Aldi - it needs to be something much more up market to enhance the town.

"It has to be a properly thought out development which should be a mix of housing and small businesses."

He also said the site of the former Sergeant Peppers Nightclub on Bridge Street, which has been empty for several years, continues to be an 'eyesore' and has previously been granted planning permission for a food establishment and homes.

But the decision of when or if the development should begin lies in the hands of a private owner.

Cllr Jenkins also previously spoke of his concerns for children making their way to school as a footpath running down the side of the Red Cow site has been closed while the building works are underway.

But cllr Jenkins confirmed equipment has been ordered to install a puffin crossing across Pen Y Bryn from the footpath to Tenter Square.

He said he expects the crossing to be installed in August, adding: "The lollypop lady in Pen y Bryn is now paid for by Offa Community Council, but employed by the county council and it has been agreed that she will stay on after the Red Cow works have been completed and the new crossing is in place.

"It is one of the busiest entrances in and out of Wrexham town so the safety of children is paramount.

"Everything is falling into place and we are making progress, which is to be welcomed."