A COMMUNITY leader has expressed frustration after plans to demolish a ‘significant’ building in Wrexham were discussed behind closed doors.

Senior councillors met to consider a review of office accommodation in the town.

Details of the properties affected were withheld for commercial reasons, but Grosvenor councillor Marc Jones revealed it included a key structure within his ward.

While the building was not named during the meeting, the Local Democracy Reporting Service understands it is a former vicarage in Rhosddu known as Centre 67.

It was last used in around 2005 and hopes were previously raised it could be be turned into a community hub.

The Plaid Cymru politician said he was against proposals to knock it down being discussed in part two of the meeting, where members of the press and public are excluded, and claimed residents had not been consulted.

He said: “I believe quite strongly because there’s an item in that report which refers to my ward.

“I don’t believe that should be happening behind closed doors and I think it should be heard in public.

“There’s been no public consultation about a significant building within my ward.

“I think it would be important for both the public and the elected representatives to have a full and open discussion about this rather than the decision being made behind closed doors.

“We’re talking about the disposal of assets here and the demolition of a building of significance.”

Plans to tear down the building on Rhosddu Road, which is located between the Spar and St James’ church, were first discussed by the council in 2013.

However, members of the then Labour-led administration chose to give it a stay of execution to explore other options.

During yesterday’s meeting, council leader Mark Pritchard said he was satisfied the latest proposals surrounding the property’s future should be talked about in private.

The independent councillor added that it formed a small part of the overall review.

Responding to Cllr Jones’ comments, he said: “As an elected member, you’re fully aware of the reasons why everything goes in part two because it might have repercussions on staff, or it might be contractual agreements between different people and also companies.

“That’s why we do it, it’s nothing new and I’m comfortable with it.

“I’m surprised you’ve come to the table this morning to ask that, but you’re entitled to do so and make that point.

“The report is about office accommodation and that part of land is a small piece in the jigsaw of office accommodation.

“It’s been outstanding for a long time and we’re looking to resolve the issue and move forward.”

The decision to exclude the press and public from the debate was unanimously backed by executive board members.

The outcome of the discussions has yet to be made public by the local authority.