TRAINEES had the chance to learn about and practice trade skills as part of a course.

Wrexham Council has recently offered training sessions as part of its traditional building skills programme, one of which was a two-day introduction to lime mortar course at Bradley Cricket Club.

Trainees were given an insight into the use of lime mortar by Terence Lee.

They had the chance to test their skills on one of the walls at the cricket club on the second night of the course.

Cllr David Griffiths, lead member for housing, attended one of the training sessions.

He said: “I was very pleased to get the opportunity to come along and see the training taking place.

“It’s so important that we’re able to build up the skills-base for these types of specialised trades in Wrexham.

“The more we can do that, the more traders and contractors we’ll have locally who can take on the type of work needed to upkeep and maintain our excellent stock of heritage and traditional buildings.

“Even if they’re not listed, such buildings are an asset to our area and can figure hugely in its economic life.”

Cllr Terry Evans, lead member for economic performance and regeneration, said: “I was very pleased to see the interest in, and uptake for, this course.

“Ensuring that such training is available is a vital part of the traditional building skills programme – which, in turn, links to the heritage-led redevelopment of the town centre.

“We will continue to these and similar courses going forward, and as such I would advise those interested to keep an eye on our new blog and in the media for further updates.”

The courses are free thanks to funding from CWIC and the Wrexham Traditional Building Skills Programme; which has been funded through the Welsh Government Rural Communities – Rural Development Programme 2014 – 2020, which is funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the Welsh Government.