NINE-ACRE field is being opened to the public for community use, the council has confirmed.

Councillors and local residents have been in recent years campaigning to save the field from development and have been calling for it be opened up to the community.

Last year, a planning application to build a school on the field - which is situated just off the A5152 in Rhosddu - was rejected by Wrexham Council.

And now, the council has confirmed that the field, which has been fenced off, is being reopened to the public. 

The Leader:

Darren Williams, Wrexham Council's chief officer for environment, informed local councillors of the news.

He said: "As you are no doubt aware, within the last month our environment team has undertaken some grounds maintenance on Nine-Acre field, principally to ensure this is maintained in a kept state and not allowed to deteriorate. 

"Following this work it became apparent that the council was not maximising one of its most well placed and attractive green spaces notwithstanding formal decisions on future usage of the site.

"Nine-Acre Field is currently an education asset and whilst its future use and purpose is still to be determined by a formal decision of the council, the area does undoubtedly provide an excellent open space that the wider community in this area would benefit from unhindered use of.

"With this in mind, the recent maintenance of the green space has taken place with a view to providing a dedicated area for play, the facility provides; a mown section allowing ball games and play, clear circular path around the circumference of the site for walkers and joggers, and the like, and an area set by to improve the biodiversity with attractive swathes cut through for walkers and the like."

He added: "In addition, our play officers are exploring spreading some of the planned summer play events across some of our city centre open spaces such as Bellevue, Nine-Acres and this could include some work to try and ascertain the communities views on future use.

"Officers will arrange for continued maintenance at the site and for the pedestrian gates to be opened providing unrestricted access maximising the benefits of the field whilst we determine the future use of the facility in our asset management planning."

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Mr Williams said it is hoped the field will be reopened over the coming week. 

Cllr Becca Martin, who has been campaigning to save the field, welcomed the news.

The Leader: Cllr Becca Martin at the Nine-Acre Field site.Cllr Becca Martin at the Nine-Acre Field site. (Image: Plaid Cymru)

She said: "This is very welcome but long overdue news. Since the planning decision regarding the Nine-Acre Field 11 months ago, I and the local community have called for the gate to be unlocked to enable people to enjoy the open space and for children to have somewhere to play safely. 

"It's been very disappointing that we've had to wait so long after public promises were made but I'm glad now that children won't be climbing the fence to play football and risk injury.

"Only yesterday, I met with a resident to discuss what further pressure we could apply to ensure access for all. It seems like someone, somewhere was listening and I'm delighted that the community pressure has finally paid off. I look forward to the community being able to use the park and I'm sure events can now be held there that will improve our community and bring people closer together."

She thanked the council's officers for ensuring the field was now opening: "I'd like to thank the officers who have made this happen and will be encouraging greater dialogue between the council and local residents, who are keen to have input into the development of the field."