MOTORISTS and residents have started having their say on proposals to improve the A483 through Wrexham.

The first of two public consultation events this week was held by the Welsh Government at the Catrin Finch Centre in the town on Tuesday, featuring information exhibitions showing potential options to improve the A483 between Junction 3 and 6 (Rhostyllen and Gresford).

As one of the key connecting routes between North Wales and England, work has already been carried out to outline the issues affecting the A483 corridor and the main contributory factors.

A list of possible solutions is being developed and assessed which shows the corridor between Junction 3 and 6 and associated junctions as key areas for improvement.

The options being developed aim to improve safety, resilience and journey time reliability on the A483, provide better east-west connectivity across the route and reduce incidents and delays.

This scheme also includes supporting public transport and active travel provision to reduce vehicle use which will also improve air quality especially between junction 5 and 6.

Among those taking an interest at Tuesday's consultation event was Brynyffynnon County Councillor Phil Wynn, whose ward includes the Wrexham Maelor Hospital and large employers in the town such as Moneypenny.

He said that while it was still "early days" he welcomed the commitment shown to improving the road.

Cllr Wynn said: "Ken (Skates, Welsh Government cabinet secretary for environment, infrastructure and skills) has voiced concerns about future-proofing the A483 and the need to maintain the economic attractions in Wrexham, and a number of other issues that need to be addressed.

"I welcome the commitment to finding solutions. In my ward, Ruthin Road is of particular concern too, people are aware of the potential employment opportunities hanging on any improvements.

"But it could be next year before anything is taken forward."

He added: "At peak times congestion has a particular effect on those coming into and out of Wrexham from the Coedpoeth direction but is the answer to keep building roads?

"Public transport could be a factor, encouraging people to think differently about how they make their journeys but the consultation has certainly given something to think about."

Ed Burness, from the Welsh Government's traffic department said they had received a range of opinions so far, but overall they had been met with positive feedback.

He said: "It's been very mixed. A lot of people who have turned up have had the letters we sent out to homes along the corridor so that was successful.

"What we have noticed are that people are keen to see things happen as soon as possible.

"There has also been lots of concern about the environment which we wouldn't have had perhaps 10 years ago, from people of all ages, so that shows what an important factor that has become for a lot of people.

"They want to know what policies we will be putting in place for that, and we have also had one or two people concerned about the impact it might have on their homes and what mitigation we might have.

"But it is important to stress that this is still a very early stage.

"In terms of alleviating congestion in Wrexham is also dependant on what the council are looking at in terms of its own roads in the town, as well as the trunk roads into it that we are responsible for.

"There have been a lot of topics raised but overall it has been generally positive."

The next consultation event takes place at the Catrin Finch Centre tomorrow, Thursday, June 27, from 1pm until 8pm.