THE NEW Welsh Secretary has backed "exciting" plans for a civil service 'hub' in Wrexham.
Newly appointed Welsh Secretary, The Rt Hon Sir Robert Buckland QC MP, held a meeting at The Racecourse stadium, alongside Brexit Minister Jacob Rees-Mogg and Wrexham MP Sarah Atherton to discuss the Government's Places for Growth programme.
The scheme aims to relocate 22,000 civil service roles out of London by 2030 and make the roles homegrown.
Sir Robert said: "With moving more civil service jobs out London, it’s not just about finding a place and plonking people into it – it’s about growing skills in the local economy.
"Wrexham is a newly minted city which is really connected to north Wales and northern England. We think this an ideal place for a hub where civil servants of some seniority can come together and work in one place.
"I’m delighted as Welsh Secretary to find there is a renewed sense of ambition about what we can do in North Wales. This is why today’s meeting was so important. I was here as part of a team to gage the political enthusiasm for this initiative."
He continued: "With support from the local council and from other agencies there is potential to make this work. And also from our higher education centres as it’s all about growing the skills locally to make these jobs truly homegrown. Wrexham is a very logical place for what it a very exciting initiative."
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Sir Robert also discussed the exciting times surrounding Wrexham AFC.
"Wrexham AFC is a very historic football club," he said.
"It’s got a great pedigree and the club's increased prominence across the world following the Hollywood takeover means we can both of proud about the history and excited for the future.
"It should give the city and the area a real boost."
He added: "I’d love to see the Kop redeveloped and for international matches to return to The Racecourse. Football in North Wales has a huge following and it’s entirely logical that we get international matches back here, it’s a worthy ambition.
"It's exciting to hear Wrexham’s ambitions grow with a renewed City of Culture bid for 2029. It's very much a city on the up."
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