Decision to demolish key community building in Rhosddu set to be scrutinised

A DECISION to demolish a key building in Wrexham has been called in for scrutiny after concerns were raised by a community leader.
Senior councillors met in private last month to consider a review of office accommodation in the town.
During the debate, they voted in favour of knocking down a property in the Rhosddu area.
While it was not named, it is understood the building earmarked for removal is a former vicarage known as Centre 67.
A special meeting is now set to be held tomorrow after local councillor Marc Jones raised objections.
Cllr Jones said he believed Wrexham was in danger of losing a piece of its heirtage and criticised the original decision being made behind closed doors.
He said: “Five councillors have called in this proposed demolition for further scrutiny because there’s a principle involved here about taking decisions out in the open.
“Because the decision to demolish was taken in secret, I’m unable as a local councillor to discuss this with the community council or talk to residents about it.
“I can’t discuss it with people who might be interested in buying the building to develop businesses and we can’t consider any community use.
“There’s nothing stopping the bulldozers from moving in next week as things stand. Is that really how we should be operating as a council?
“Wrexham has already lost a lot of its building heritage – many will remember Stevens Cafe and fiasco of the Vegetable Market being demolished. We shouldn’t repeat those mistakes.”
It was hoped the call in meeting would be held in public, but the local authority’s monitoring officer has again recommended it should be private for commercial reasons.
Centre 67 was last used in around 2005 and hopes were previously raised it could be be turned into a community hub.
Plans to tear down the property on Rhosddu Road, which is located between the Spar and St James’ church, were first discussed by Wrexham Council in 2013.
However, members of the former Labour-led administration chose to give it a stay of execution to explore other options.
Speaking in January, independent council leader Mark Pritchard said he was satisfied the latest demolition proposals should be talked about behind closed doors.
Responding to comments made by Cllr Jones, he said: “As an elected member, you’re fully aware of the reasons why everything goes in part two because it might have repercussions on staff, or it might be contractual agreements between different people and also companies.
“That’s why we do it, it’s nothing new and I’m comfortable with it.
“I’m surprised you’ve come to the table this morning to ask that, but you’re entitled to do so and make that point.
“The report is about office accommodation and that part of land is a small piece in the jigsaw of office accommodation.
“It’s been outstanding for a long time and we’re looking to resolve the issue and move forward.”
A decision notice published after the meeting showed executive board members voted in favour of demolishing the building and retaining the land.

By Liam Randall – Local Democracy Reporter