Town Centre Forum June Round-Up

Yesterday Wrexham traders and members of the Town Centre Forum met at the Guildhall. Below is our summary of some of the subjects that were touched upon in the meeting. 

Markets

As part of the ongoing regeneration of the three indoor markets, the forum was told that over three dates in the summer, the markets will be moving outside to promote what they have to offer.

Amanda Davies told members that ‘part of the issue is getting people in to see what the markets have to offer’. On the three dates there will be stalls on Llwyn Isaf promoting what the markets sell.

The dates are the Saturday 9th August, Saturday 23rd August and Saturday 6th September.

Coach Parking

Last Wednesday we reported that the highly talked about coach parking had began in the town, with a coach of 52 French tourists visiting St Giles.

The forum was told that currently there is work ongoing with several coach firms and it hoped that things will fully take off by 2015. Route signage for the coaches will also be put up in the town next week.

A spokesperson for St Giles told members that: “In essence the church was approached by people who had come from Ruthin. The trip to St Giles was part of a tour of the area, which included Minera.

“St Giles was viewed as a major attraction for the tourists. The feedback we have had from them says there may be similar.”

Since the coach tour, a number of comments have been raised about the advertising of Wrexham’s three indoor markets – with some pointing out that the Butchers’ Market is closed on Wednesday afternoons.

Amanda Davies, Head of Marketing and Promotions, told the Forum that they are ‘looking at the Butchers’ Market and that a meeting has taken place to discuss options’.

Police Matters

The forum was also updated on this month’s ‘policing matters’ from the town centre.

Town Centre Inspector, Paul Wycherley told members that ‘there have been 10 more shoplifting offences in May this year than last year’.

Inspector Wycherley added: “We have beefed up patrol in Wrexham due to the increase in shoplifting with more uniform and plain dressed officers.”

It was also reported that burglaries, criminal damage and anti-social behavior in the town centre is also down this month.

In last month’s meeting comments were raised on the anti social behaviour that takes place outside McDonalds. Members were told that police staffing levels had been ‘upped’ around the area.

Comments were also raised in relation to people drinking on Yorke Street, with the forum told that there have been several complaints about the number of people who congregate near the shrubs throughout the day.

Members were told that new signs that highlight the area is a drink free zone have been ordered and will be put up in the area shortly.

Upcoming Events

Members of the Forum were told of several events that are scheduled for the next few months. So much so that Mr Critchley said: “We are always saying that nothing happens in Wrexham, but look at all the things that are going on in town.”

One of the main events that will be taking place in Wrexham this year is the North Wales Armed Forces day, which will take place on June 21st. The event will take place from 10am – 4pm, with a parade leaving the barracks at 11:30am to arrive at Llwyn Isaf for midday.

Throughout the day there will be musical entertainment provided by the Rhos Male Voice Choir, music groups and some acoustic sets.

Several stalls will also be present, including some charity stalls and the Armed Forces careers. A Spitfire will also fly over the town three times at 2pm to commemorate the day.

A spokesperson for Nightingale House Hospice was also present and provided an update to the Wrexham Food and Drink festival that took place a few weeks ago. Over the two day period 3000 people attended the event, raising at least £7000.

This month is also Go Yellow month, with a number of events (including a Zumbathon!) taking place. More details can be found on the Nightingale House Hospice website.

Members were also told that the popular Play Day will also be returning to the town this year on Wednesday August 6th.

Last year’s event saw thousands of children gather on Queen’s Square and Llwyn Isaf for a day of activities, including water balloon fights, marshmallow roasting and our personal favourite; jumping off some scaffolding and onto some crash mats.

Starting from Tuesday 17th June – Friday 20th June, the Portuguese Cafe on Lord Street will be holding a four day long event to coincide with a Portuguese Festival. The street will be decorated for the occasion and people are encouraged to pop along and take part!

On July 11th the popular ‘Light up the Aqueduct’ will once again be taking place.

Last year 4,500 people attended the event, which sees the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct lit up for the evening. Along with this there will be live music throughout the evening and a firework display at the end of the night. Tickets are £5 in advance or can be purchased for £10 on the night itself.

The forum was also told that there had been an application submitted to hold a small music / rock day on Llwyn Isaf.

Members were told that the event was still in its early stages but was likened to a smaller version of the Chester Rocks Festival that takes place just up the road.

Reference was also made to the Poppy Appeal, with Community Fundraiser Ken Forbes commenting on how good the town will look when all the newly planted poppies are in bloom.

There is also the chance to take part in the ‘Poppy Picnics’, which encourages people to share a picnic, enjoy the summer and support the armed forces.

This year Wrexham will be holding its first ‘Real Ale Trail’, which will take place on the 20th of September. The trail will take place in 12 pubs around Wrexham, as well as crossing into Llangollen.

The ‘real ale’ pubs that are taking part will be providing additional ale on the day and are encouraged to sell food. The trail will involve bus trips to the various different pubs, with wristbands allowing you to take part in the day.

Next month’s meeting will take place on Tuesday 1st July at the Guildhall.