WORKS are to begin on the expansion of a Wrexham restaurant, bar and hotel.

Sam Regan, owner of The Lemon Tree in Rhosddu, announced this week that a long-awaited £400,000 scheme of works are to begin at the business.

His announcement of the news, via the business' Facebook page, received hundreds of likes in support.

It read: "After nearly two years in the planning, I'm about to break ground on a project which will change the image of The Lemon Tree dramatically.

The Leader:

The plans at The Lemon Tree, as revealed by Sam Regan

"I can't thank you all enough over the last four years, your continued support has given me the confidence to invest significantly in my little business."

Mr Regan told the Leader planning permission was granted earlier this year for the demolition of an annex and the construction of eight new bedrooms.

But following the completion of some administrative and regulatory requirements, the project is about to begin, he said.

"We're going to have a total of 18 bedrooms," he explained, "Which is a massive boost.

"The annex should be demolished in the next few weeks - then the construction company will build the new bedrooms. "They should all be finished and operational by February next year.

The Leader:

Sam Regan outside The Lemon Tree

"We will also gain some car parking space."

Mr Regan said he expects the development will allow The Lemon Tree to create three-and-a-half new job positions (a combination of full and part time roles).

Speaking of the response he has had from the community since announcing the works, he continued: "It has been amazing. There has been no negativity at all.

"The residents from Rhosddu around us have received it really positively, which is my bread and butter - I want to keep the community happy."

He explained the scheme was made possible thanks to a £300,000 town centre improvement loan from Wrexham Council, which is administered by the Welsh Government.

"It's a difficult climate for businesses," he said, "The total project will come to £400,000.

"Funding can be difficult with high street lenders, so this pot of money from Wrexham Council and the Welsh Government has enabled us to be able to do it."