THE LEADER of Wrexham Council says they 'will not give up' on ambitious plans for the area after a bid for funding was snubbed.

The list revealing which parts of Wales would be sharing the £2.1 billion from the UK Government’s landmark Levelling Up Fund has been announced, but Wrexham and its Gateway Project missed out.

In the first phase of the Levelling Up funding announced last year, Wrexham County Borough received £13.3 million to improve the area around the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct.

Wrexham Council bid for funding from the latest Levelling Up Fund for the Wrexham Gateway project - but was unsuccessful for the second time. 

The scheme would signal a complete regeneration of the area surrounding the Racecourse Ground and Wrexham General train station. The project is split between east and west. 

READ MORE: Wrexham AFC reacts to news that Kop redevelopment misses out on Levelling Up Fund

Wrexham Council hoped to secure Levelling Up funding for the western side which is the Kop stand football ground redevelopment. That includes groundworks for a hotel, potential conference facilities and also car parking. 

News of the unsuccessful bid for funding comes as a blow for hopes of restoring Wales international matches to the Racecourse. 

Wrexham Council Leader Councillor Mark Pritchard hailed the news of missing out on funding as 'extremely disappointing'.

However, he added that the council would 'not give up' on its 'ambitious plans'.

He said: "Whilst we are all extremely disappointed we will continue to work hard with our partners, Wrexham AFC, Welsh Government, Wrexham Glyndwr University, The FAW and Transport for Wales.

"We will not give up on these ambitious plans and we will continue to pursue other avenues of funding in order to complete the Wrexham Gateway Project.”

Steve Williams, President of the Football Association of Wales added: “Whilst this is very disappointing news for Wrexham AFC and their plans to develop the Racecourse Ground with an ambition of seeing international football return, I know that this will make everyone even more determined to find the funding that is needed to make this project a success.”