RESIDENTS living near one of the main routes into Wrexham have called for an end to the parking chaos they face when large events are held in the town.

It comes as many homeowners in the area surrounding Glyndwr University on Mold Road were left struggling to get in and out of their properties during this weekend’s Wales Comic Con, with dozens of cars on the streets and in some cases blocking their driveways.

The star-studded event attracted thousands of comic book, TV and film fans with the main draws including Harry Potter actor Rupert Grint, Doctor Who favourites David Tennant and Billie Piper and Hollywood leading man Kiefer Sutherland.

The twice-yearly convention has been hailed as a large success and is credited as pumping millions into the local economy.

However, those living close to the venue it is held at have criticised the management of parking and are calling for a resolution.

The situation was said to be at its worst on Saturday when Wrexham AFC played their final home game of the season next door at the Racecourse Ground.

Phil Roberts said he had difficulty in parking to visit his parents on that day because of the amount of cars on Windsor Drive, and was concerned about the lack of room for emergency vehicles to gain access.

He said: “I understand people struggle to park for the event but I feel more needs to be done for local residents.

“Parking down Windsor Drive and neighbouring streets was difficult to access with some visitors blocking driveways.

“I was concerned for emergency vehicles needing access to the street.

“It is brilliant that such events come to the town but I think better organisation and also more parking would make the event run smoother and also would help out the local residents that live within throwing distance of the university.

“A bit of common sense was lacking on this day.”

A leading politician who represents the area has now vowed to try and find a solution to the ongoing issue, which also plagues residents on match days.

Cllr Phil Wynn, Wrexham Council’s lead member for education and ward member for Brynyffynon, said he was keen to avoid a repeat when Wrexham host their crucial play-off game against Eastleigh on Thursday evening.

He said: “For the Wales Comic Con, it was the perfect storm with the football game being on the same day, along with the weather being as bad as it was.

“All in all, unfortunately residents along Mold Road had to endure unacceptable parking of vehicles by visitors to Comic Con and probably the football match as well.

“The good news is that Comic Con is a great success and is something we should celebrate as a town, but it’s recognised that they do need to take into account the needs of the local residents.

“When we have large events, we have the Safety Advisory Group meeting convened by the public protection team with the police, ambulance service and the event organisers.

“I have asked for certain information to be fed into that on the back of what took place as it’s clearly a requirement that they need some sort of park and ride facility.

“I will also be asking for a larger police presence on Mold Road.”

The organisers of Wales Comic Con have been asked to comment.