New signage appears stating Wrexham Glyndwr University ‘withdraws permission to use’ Dean Road field

Several signs have been placed around the Dean Road playing field today, stating that permission has been withdrawn for use of the land.

The playing field has been subject to a recent planning application for up to 74 houses by Wrexham Glyndwr University, which intends to sell the site to help bankroll improvements worth £60 million to its main campus on Mold Road.

Last month the planning application was rejected by councillors after strong objections by local councillors and members of the community.

Today signs have been spotted on the site, saying that the university has withdrawn permission for use of the land and that cannot be used as a public right of way.

Local resident Dan, who took the above picture, said: “I live in Rhosnesni, my kids use the field. We were walking back across the field this afternoon and noticed the sign. There are many signs on the field and some placed next properties with gates in the fence onto the field.”

We asked Dan if he would be obeying the new signage, “I may have no other choice other than to adhere to the notice as the small gate on the Holt Road has been locked and some of the gaps in the perimeter fence have been blocked.

“I am very disappointed that Glyndwr have gone down this route, I’ve lived on the area for 30 years and used to play football on there, my kids and their friends use the field regularly too.

“Now they will have to travel a little further from home for somewhere to play safely. It seems a strange stance to take as they’re wanting to build on the ground, can’t help but think this will cause a greater opposition from the public?”

Another local resident told us: “My son plays for Borras u9s and the team uses the field weekly for training/matches along with other ages like it has done years, no managers of the Borras teams were even notified about this.”

A Wrexham Glyndwr spokesperson told us: “The land at Dean Road is private land owned by Wrexham Glyndwr University. The University has been clear through its previous signage that permissions allowing public access may be withdrawn at any time.

“The ongoing maintenance works and costs associated with maintaining the land have always been borne by the University but as we no longer require the land for educational purposes, the decision has been made to cut back on the grounds maintenance contract and reduce overheads.

“Therefore, as of today, new signage has been erected withdrawing the permission for public access to the site.

“We are continuing to explore our options with regards to the land on Dean Road, as the sale of some pieces of land are essential to raise capital for the full delivery of our Campus 2025 strategy.

“The University will continue to work with WCBC and Borras Albion FC in order to secure a playing field at Dean Road and develop the Plas Coch Campus, which will bring future prosperity to the town.”