Campaign to Improve ‘Derelict’ Shop Fronts in Wrexham Town Centre

A campaign is underway encouraging Wrexham Council to write to landlords and property owners in the town who leave their properties in a derelict or unsightly state.

The letters are part of an ongoing plan to encourage the ‘smartening up’ of empty shops or trading shops that are in poor condition. Landlords will receive a letter detailing the problem and asking them to undertake remedial works.

The Council has the powers to enforce that these works are completed and these letters will serve as a reminder of the powers they hold through section 215 of the Town and Country Planning Act.

Conservative Party Assembly Candidate for Wrexham, Andrew Atkinson asked the Council a year ago to work with him on the campaign as he had seen great results with this approach in another town.

Mr Atkinson said: “I met with the Council and they were very supportive of my campaign, it hasn’t happened as quickly as I would’ve liked but I’m delighted it’s starting now.

“What’s really important is that we have a broad section of the community supporting the plan and that we are all working together for a better town. Councillors Wynn, O’Toole and Jones’ wards adjoin the centre and they’ve been a big help, we’re also working with the Town Centre Forum, and the Civic Society to make this happen.

“This campaign can see great results but as well as tackling the negatives we want to work with the Civic Society with their awards scheme to promote all the brilliant, responsible landlords who’s properties are well maintained and help to make town great.

“The simple principle is that every empty shop should look like a brand new empty shop, combined with our other plans it will make a big difference to the town.”

Mr Atkinson who is photographing and logging the defects will be meeting the Council with the rest of the group to plan out the next steps and get the letters sent out.

Across the town centre there are a number of empty properties, some of which have remained vacant since their closure.

More recently the former Thomas Cook store on Hope Street was renovated and painted after the landlord was contacted. The former Burton Store on Regent Street has had a makeover of a different kind, with paintings from a local artist featured in the window.

Councillor Phil Wynn added: “I appreciate the lead Andrew has taken on the issue of approaching landlords of shops in our town-centre which have been allowed to become a blot on the street-scene.

“Working in partnership with all concerned I feel we have a better chance of delivering a positive outcome for our town-centre”.