Demonstration at council HQ after Coedpoeth field ripped up

Diggers arrived on land off Old Smelt Road/Nant Lais in Coedpoeth on Friday - and have removed hedges and covered two acres of field with hundreds of tonnes of hardcore and then resurfaced.

There are now said to be 11 caravans stationed on the site.

After concerns were raised by Fflint and Wrecsam Senedd Member, and Welsh Labour leader, Ken Skates, and local councillor, Jason Lewis, both Coedpoeth and Minera community councils have issued a joint statement.

It said: "Coedpoeth and Minera community councils condemn the continued targeting of our community and its surrounding areas for illegal dumping and development. There are now four known sites in Coedpoeth and Minera.

"The most recent development off Old Smelt Road - on an old mine working - rips up an environmental gem facing an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, two public footbaths and blights the lives of those living near it.

"The waste being tipped to level the land wreaks of diesel and is already damaging the environment and threatening people’s health.

"It is inexcusable that Natural Resources Wales (NRW) has failed to use its much wider powers to stop these developments. The longer it takes to intervene further encourages continued illegal development.

"It is equally inexcusable that Wrexham County Council hasn’t used it's position to better influence NRW and use its limited planning enforcement powers to take a more pro-active approach to these developments."

It added: "A coordinated response can protect our communities and support positive action across the wider area, as it is clear that these developments are very well organised."

The community councils are asking the people of Coedpoeth, Minera and the surrounding areas to gather outside the Guildhall in Wrexham at 10am this Friday (September 4).

They said it is to call on Wrexham County Borough Council to deliver a "pro-active strategy" to "defend our communities" and ensure that NRW uses it powers to stop illegal activity now.

A public meeting is also being held at Coedpoeth Parish Hall at 6pm on Friday.

Representatives of Wrexham County Council, NRW and the North Wales Police have been invited.

A NRW spokesperson said: "We are currently investigating ongoing deposits at a site on Old Smelt Road, Minera. On Friday, August 28, one of our officers attended the site shortly after the report was received to assess the situation and gather initial evidence.

“Further site visits are planned as part of our ongoing investigation. Should any offences be identified, we will take the appropriate regulatory action.

“We are working closely with Wrexham County Borough Council, as the matter may fall within the regulatory responsibilities of both organisations.

“If you need to report an environmental incident or pollution event, please use our online reporting form or contact our 24-hour Incident Communications Centre on 0300 065 3000.”

Councillor Hugh Jones, Lead Member for Planning and Public Protection said, “Wrexham County Borough Council recognises and understands the concerns of local residents.   

"We take breaches of planning control very seriously and will use the necessary powers available to use under Planning legislation to require breaches to be resolved.  

"We are also working closely with Natural Resources Wales, who have instigated their own investigations into sites where waste tipping has occurred, to ensure that our efforts to bring about resolutions are effectively coordinated. 

"A press release with further details will be issued in due course.”