THE team members working to transform a disused baths site into a "jewel" in Buckley's crown are hoping to increase their numbers.

Last week the Leader reported how the scheme to redevelop Buckley's Old Baths had taken a "massive leap forward."

A study by consultants and architects estimated a £1.1m cost for the work, with a number of aspirations for the building.

Those include a community and education hub, a central space for activities such as cinema and artisan markets, a new cafe, a performance space complimentary to venues like the Tivoli and flexible office space.

Now councillors Carol Ellis, Mike Peers and Dennis Hutchinson, who are also the three remaining trustees and directors of Old Buckley Baths Community Hall Ltd which owns the site, are to seek funding for the transformation.

Speaking of the consultants' work, Cllr Hutchinson: "I think it was a very fair report.

"It was very optimistic and I am happy with the way things are going. "As far as the finances are concerned, that is the next step and it is a very important step because without money there is little we can do.

"I think the consultants have pointed us in the right direction from the start with regards to attracting that magnitude of funding.

"The public response to this project has been very positive - there's hardly a day goes by when people aren't asking me for a progress report.

"People understand it's a big project and it is part and parcel of a regeneration scheme which has been going on for a number of years. "I think the Old Baths will be a jewel in the crown when it is done and finished.

"It's a very important aspect of the town centre and hopefully it will come to fruition in the not too distant future."

Cllr Ellis said: "I think we have made considerable progress and we look forward to the next steps.

"It is a big task for just three of us and we will need others to join us moving forward. "I think this will definitely help the regeneration of Buckley. "This part of town will benefit, as will the whole of the town, because it will increase the footfall and put Buckley on the map.

"I'd like to thank Cadwyn Clwyd - they have helped us move forward and have been very helpful."

Cllr Peers added: "It has been a difficult project with just the three of us and as we progress we do need to look at bringing other directors on board.

"We need to bring in people with different skills."