Rhosddu Vicarage demolition work branded “civic vandalism”

A local councillor has said the demolition of the old Rhosddu Vicarage building is imminent.

The old Rhosddu vicarage also known as Centre 67, on Rhosddu Road, is due to be demolished after Wrexham Council announced plans to clear the site to make way for social housing.

Councillor Marc Jones, who represents the ward and has campaigned against the demolition noted that scaffolding that has been up on the Old Vicarage on Rhosddu Road for 18 months is now being taken down, saying it is “in preparation for demolition later this month”.

Cllr Jones said: “The cost of demolition and scaffolding is currently £70,000. The council is wasting money on wrecking a solid building without a clear plan of what will replace it.

“Despite repeated requests, the Executive Board is determined to continue with this civic vandalism. We need to change the political leadership of this council before it’s too late.”

It is thought local residents will be told about the formal demolition plans next week with the machinery to remove the building expected to arrive on the site in the last week or so of this month.

Previously Cllr Mark Pritchard, Lead Member for Assets, said: “The preference is for a new-build social housing scheme. This would be similar to the fantastic work we’ve done at Nant Silyn and Hightown in recent years, where we’ve been able to build smart, modern homes for the people of Wrexham.

“However, to move forward with this aspiration, we need to clear key parts of the site, including the area of land occupied by Centre 67. So being able to demolish the disused building is an important step forward.”