Council ‘Wont Cave In To Welsh Government Pressure’ Over Possible Groves Listing

Wrexham Council will technically and legally assess any Cadw decision on listing the Groves before accepting it, or challenging it.

During the ‘members questions’ section of Wrexham Council’s monthly Executive Board meeting, two queries regarding the future provision of education funding and the listing status of the former Groves school, were raised by two councillors.

First up was Cllr David Griffiths who prefaced his question over the Groves by stating he believes Wrexham’s schools need the finance and infrastructure to improve schools.

He said: “Given the latest information from the Welsh Government that Cadw are minded to list the Groves school, subject to consultation, can I be assured by Wrexham County Borough Council that any money needed to spend on this issue will not impact on our 21st Century School programme, and in particular Gwersyllt CP School?”

However Lead Member of Education, Cllr Michael Williams stated that he cannot give ‘any assurance that there will not be problems in the education department if this building is listed at all’.

Cllr Williams continued onto say: “The costs associated with the listing of the Groves does constitute a risk as it will be met from the education budgets.

“The Director of Education is quite clear that any decision to list the building will have significant financial implications for the education department, this inevitably will mean funding will need to be diverted from other exiting priorities

Stating that ‘Band A’ project money for the 21st Century School Programme has been ‘approved and banked’ Cllr Williams spoke of risks to Band B projects, stating “My guess is any Band B projects in the future may have to be curtailed due to the costs associated with the Groves in order to make sure that it is kept secure.”

Cllr Williams went on to detail possible future costs totalling £136,000 including asbestos removal at £102,000 (although not stated it this would likely have to take place regardless prior to demolition) and additional costs including grass cutting of £7350pa, 24/7 security of around £100kpa and CCTV systems of £4000.

A break in and ‘huge damage’ to the roof last weekend was reported to the meeting by Cllr Williams, who said the repair estimate for that alone could be £15,000 to £20,000.

The second query was from Cllr Dana Davies, who paid tribute to MP Jo Cox prior to her question on the Groves.

Cllr Davies asked: “Have the Executive Board Lead Members rediscussed their position on the Groves Girls school building, and will this Council be responding to Cadw’s consultation on Grade II listing in a positive manner?

“Secondly, what efforts have been made to investigate and potentially source external grant funding that is available to bring this building back into educational use following listing status being granted?”

Cllr Williams said: “If by responding to that portion of your question in a ‘positive manner’ means we are caving in to political pressure from Welsh Government, then the answer is a categoric no.”

“In response to your question, the building has not been listed. Cadw has indicated its intention to list the building and the Council has until 4th July to respond. The Council is seeking expert legal and technical advice and has asked Cadw to provide a copy of information that has enabled it to reach its decision to recommend listing.

“This letter was sent to Cadw on the 10th of June and we are awaiting a reply. This will enable the Council to review and understand the rational for listing and to decide if the intention to list this building is fair.

“When the Council better understands the rational for the decision by Cadw it can then consider its formal response. Either to accept the intention to list the building or to challenge it.

“Until this information is received, and until the Council’s expert legal and and technical advisors have reviewed the information the Council is not in a position to review the next steps.

Cllr Williams did mention that future steps, if listed, could include a future report to Councillors on where funding could come from to preserve the building.

However Cllr Davies stated she was ‘confused’ by the answer to the first part of her question – but Cllr Pritchard told her there was ‘no supplementary’ questions allowed.

Cllr Davies then noted that she wished to make an ‘observation’, and was told by Cllr Pritchard, ‘no observations, it is a question and answer and you know the process’.

A final decision on the potential listing of the Groves School is expected next month.