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Agreed that a new strategic development plan for the future economic regeneration needs to be put in place. The opportunities are there. Due to the nature now of creative and technology industries there is not the same level of geographical centering that there once was. The lower rents, easy access to countryside and availability of space are all factors that would be attractive to creative or technology companies. This in turn would require an increase in number and quality of leisure and social offerings. The advantages of opening/relocating your business need to be championed, I personally would like to see an economic development outreach programme that goes to places like London, Manchester and further afield to bang the drum and attempt to bring big players in. Trying to compete with the likes of Chester is counterproductive, Wrexham needs to find a new angle. Personally I think strong links could be made with small industries across North Wales and then create Wrexham as a “gateway town” where products from all across the region can be sold, high quality North wales products that can be easily reaches from the likes of Chester, Shrewsbury and elsewhere.
Could a compromise not be reached – the establishment by the Council of an arm’s-length organisation to manage, run and develop the markets. Such an organisation that could operate with a degree of autonomy would be better suited to focus on key ways in which to maintain and develop the markets. Allowing the often theoretical action plans to be ‘actioned”.
Procurement practices, having had some experience of how they work and the ways in which procurement professionals operate, are not exactly thrilling or likely to light up a conversation – however they are useful to have in place for things like this. Most local authorities have their various thresholds and the requirements buyers need to adhere to for each threshold (often with less than say 10k may requiring one quote, then up to the big contracts where they open up the tender process and require multiple quotes).
I am not aware of the procurement specifications of WCBC, but I hope they have a clause where local suppliers are approached for a quote for most contracts. Obviously there will be larger/technically specialized contracts that are just not suitable for local suppliers and therefore need to look further afield to ensure the best service/cost. Some local authorities are very specific and committed to localism (sometime not always for the benenfit) where suppliers within their authority always having a priority, whether they actually offer the best service/value or not.
It’s not world-changing but a well thought-out and transparent procurement system can help local suppliers be able to see what is required of them and allow WCBC to clearly show their commitment to the local economy and their buying specifications.
I do not see an issue with the position of Mayor – if the post-holder is doing a good job that is. A mayor that gets out into the local community, pushed for business, supports community initiatives and generally promotes the area can be a huge benefit. The title comes with an amount of prestige, which should be used for the benefit of the community. If done correctly the Mayor should finish their term in office very tried, but also very pleased they have worked hard to connect with the community and build the reputation of the area.
Wrexham in many ways can be seen as a gateway into inner North Wales, with tourists passing through to access places such as Llangollen then on into Snowdonia, the coast. The challenge may well be how to capture and direct the flow of traffic into Wrexham based destinations and spending their tourist money into the local economy.
There are many fantastic attractions, sporting, heritage and natural in the area that are perhaps undervalued and under-promoted. It is a challenge, as the mentality (rightly or wrongly) can sometimes be “I don’t want all these tourists clogging up our roads and spoiling our hidden secrets” – and, maybe selfishly of me, I do sympathize with this viewpoint. However there are several sites that could be promoted better by the Council and other agencies, and I would suggest the best place to begin in this consultation process would be by asking the people who know best – the residents of Wrexham.
At least it is investment, albeit highly inappropriate and somewhat surplus to requirements investing by Taith. Their mission statement is to improve public transport in North Wales, as has been mentioned by another poster these signs do not seem to relate to that goal – a similar figure investment into a public transport issue in Wrexham would have been better received and actually useful.
These parking signs are very useful in certain large urban areas I am sure, places like London, Manchester etc. But seems an oddity in Wrexham. I don’t pin the blame on WCBC, but I question the process that decided that live info parking signs was the best use of the money.
@Chris 10929 wrote:
Consultants often get paid good money for their opinions. The reality about consultants is often they have failed in their career so instead tell others how to do it.
Well it’s not always the case. Many consultants are highly experienced and skilled in their field, having led successful careers up to that point. Quite a lot tend to be in the twilight of their careers and wish to be involved in their sector on a more flexible basis. As with everything you got the good and the bad, anyone can style themselves as a consultant.
What would of been useful, albeit difficult to co-ordinate, is a consultancy panel formed of experienced people from the area that could work either independently or in conjunction with an external agency.
@zinger 10858 wrote:
No, they will probably get overpaid consultants in who have no local knowledge to make local decisions. A bit like the swimming pools. There should be a committee with representatives from all interested parties including local parent/teachers associations & school councils from each area under discussion.
Agree with this – I have no issue with consultants, many of whom have good knowledge and skill in their particular field, but the problem is too many lack local knowledge which is an important consideration when making recommendations ( however I do appreciate often having a impartial view from a body with no emotional ties to an area is sometimes necessary to make tough decisions).
I am a ‘super school’ skeptic – super in name, however not in nature. I would like to see smaller class sizes and maximising teacher-pupil contact time per pupil. The idea of super school I am not against per se, but I feel the implementation needs some refining. Of course the LEA is under the direction of Assembly regulations, but perhaps some new thought regarding Wrexham education policy would be a welcome addition.
I know its rather exotic, but if the Welsh Assembly followed England’s policy and initiated the ability to create free schools what about a Wrexham Free School? Backing from local teachers, businesses, parents and other groups and the chance to actually stand out from the crowd with an educational institution that can offer something different. Just a thought.
I am quite concerned about this proposal – particularly the plans for Plas Madoc.
I think, in principle, if Waterworld is re-developed then it can only be a good thing. A new centre that can cater for both performance sport aswell as providing a range of recreation options in the middle of Wrexham would be a good boost for the town centre. However there is the worrying question of “when”. There is the ever-threatening fact that the new facility may be stuck in the pipeline for an age…never actually coming to fruition and leaving a dearth in provision.
The Plas Madoc facility would be a travesty to close. While I am not denying some TLC and some new ideas would be beneficial, it should not be closed. Plas Madoc provides provision for a range of communities South of Wrexham (through Ruabon, Johnsown, Penycae, Rhos, Plas Madoc, Cefn and other areas). In an age where physical wellbeing is often under valued to have a facility that does a good job in providing provision for people and allowing members of the surrounding community to get active and come together is of paramount importance. I am aware of financial constraints and the necessity of cuts but I am convinced with some greater strategic thought there would be a way to salvage this situation.
The danger with the need to make cuts is that they can have a long term impact on the town. The proposed cut in the initial proposition, which I hope is no longer being considered, to reduce the spending on economic development is to me very worrying. This is one of the areas where Wrexham needs to invest and needs to bolster economic activity so that in the future the council may not need to make as wide ranging cuts. However some cuts are fairly simple cases to green-light, such as Connect and twinning visits.
Similarly tying this in with approaching the private sector seems logical. The private sector can be used to help bring funds into the council coffers and can run sites – Also the communities can run certain sites with potential backing by funding sources from private sector/third sector/other backers. It is testing times, cuts are an unfortunate part and parcel of the current climate – but hopefully with some intelligence the cuts can have a minimal impact the real social, cultural and economic heart of the area.
