Calls to Improve Disabled Access at One of Wrexham’s Indoor Markets

Calls have been made to improve disabled access at one of Wrexham’s historic indoor markets.

The need for improved access at the Butchers Market was brought up at the Town Centre Forum earlier this week, however issues surrounding disabled access to the building have been ongoing for sometime.

Currently the Butchers Market can be accessed via the High Street, Henblas Street and through Central Arcade, however it is only the latter which provides disabled access.

During this week’s meeting, Sam Regan, the newly-elected chairman of the Town Centre Steering Group, explaining that the two groups need to “actively look at what disability access” there is into the markets.

Owner of The Bank, Alex Jones asked if there were plans to create another access point, with disabled access to the market available through the Central Arcade.

Cllr Andrew Atkinson explained the Central Arcade is a ‘contentious issue’ as while it provides disabled access to the market, the arcade itself is privately owned. He added: “We’re keen to push that quickly. The sooner we can get that sorted the sooner we can help traders with deliveries as well.”

In July 2017 a report presented to members of the Employment, Business and Investment Scrutiny Committee highlighted improving the access to the market as one of its targets.

The report noted that “work is ongoing to identify entrance points which are able to accommodate”. However during last month’s meeting it was explained that such changes needed for the markets are dependent on income generation and funding, with around £400,000 needed to complete the full improvements ‘wish list’.

After Tuesday’s meeting Wrexham.com contacted Wrexham Council to query what options have been looked at at improving disabled access to the Butchers Market.

Cllr Terry Evans, Lead Member for Economic Performance and Regeneration, said: “We have liaised with our Highways engineers for a number of months to see what schemes can be developed to improve access from the High Street entrance, complementing existing access through the Central Arcade.

“The delivery of any improvements will be subject to securing the necessary funding.”