RESIDENTS have expressed their frustration and concerns that a junction surrounded by new developments is no longer safe.

Wrexham MP Sarah Atherton met residents at the Crown Crossroads junction in Llay.

They told her they have become increasingly concerned over road safety after a promised upgrade to the junction has yet to materialise.

The crossroads, which sees the intersection of Gresford Road, Straight Mile and Chapel Lane, has come under increasing pressure recently as new houses have been built off Gresford Road.

Ms Atherton says a condition of the planning permission being granted was that the junction would be upgraded before any houses were developed by Anwyl and Bellway to allow traffic to flow more freely.

But - despite newly built housing going up - the junction has not been upgraded.

Ms Atherton said: “So many people are being affected by this already, and with increased pressure from new residents anticipated it is about time the developers and the Planning Department at the council listened to what people are saying.

“The correspondence coming into my office, and what I am hearing on the streets is the same thing, so it can’t be a coincidence: congestion is a nightmare at peak times; vehicles are jumping red lights out of frustration at waiting; and idling engines are degrading the air quality.

"The junction needs sorting now.”

Llay councillor Rob Walsh added: "Whilst I can now see the highways upgrades on the horizon, this goes to show that it should have been done earlier. Planning conditions are there for a reason and if they are ignored there are consequences and this proves it. I feel very sorry for the residents of Gresford Road who have been badly let down in recent years.

"Many have lost complete confidence in the democratic process as a result of this shambles."

Supermarket chain Aldi has been given planning permission to build a store near to the junction but has given a promise to residents not to do so until the junction is upgraded so as not to add to the problem.

Bryn Richards, Property Director for Aldi Stores, said: “Following 15 months of delay in receiving our planning permission, we are extremely disappointed with Wrexham Council that we are now facing further delays regarding a technical highways agreement. This could push back when we can start on site and therefore delay our Llay store’s opening date.

“Aldi knows that the local community has been waiting for the much-needed improvements to the Crown crossroads for several years, for reasons relating to road safety, traffic and carbon emissions. We are still committed to ensuring that these improvements take place and submitted our highways information to the council in March 2021.

“After weeks of no response, Wrexham Council’s highways consultant has provided comments that directly contradict their advice during the planning process. We believe this would render the council’s planning consent for the project unlawful and result in an inferior junction at the Crown crossroads. Aldi is deeply concerned with this advice from Wrexham Council.

“We are ready to begin construction on site, improving the Crown Crossroads, creating 40 jobs and bringing low-priced fresh food to Llay. Should a more sensible highways agreement be in place soon, we hope to begin construction this September so that we can welcome the residents of Llay to our store in Summer 2022. We are keen to work productively with Wrexham Council to ensure that we can meet our construction start date.”

A spokesperson for Anwyl said they had no comment to make.

A spokesperson for Bellway said it was a local authority matter and they had no comment.

A Wrexham Council spokesperson said the authority had no comment.