Reviving Wrexham town centre

Wrexham town centre already faced huge challenges, in keeping with others, due to the rise in online and out-of-town shopping among other changes in our lifestyles. Some work to turnaround our town had already begun.

The pandemic and subsequent lockdown has made reviving Wrexham a far bigger operation. Businesses have lost 10-12 weeks' trade and some, such as pubs, clubs and restaurants, are a long way from opening fully.

There are practical steps in place to make the town centre safer for visitors post-lockdown. These include social distancing signage, one-way systems along narrow streets such as Bank Street and a Click and Collect service in the High Street. Individual businesses wanting to extend their trade onto the nearest pavement are asked to contact the council's licensing department. Wardens will patrol town to ensure social distancing. 

The town centre team has delivered this basic plan in preparation for unlocking but it's clear that this, of itself, will not revive the town centre.

That relies on political initiative that has the support of town-centre businesses. Town-centre councillors, from every grouping, have worked well together in the past for the good of our town. It's time for more cooperation - between politicians, officers, local businesses, voluntary groups and trade unions - to revive our town. 

This needs to be a powerful lobby to ensure Welsh Government provides the support for more ambitious plans than signage and a few wardens in town.

A Wrexham Town Centre Forum meeting on Friday focussed on the above matters and, when wider and more ambitious calls were raised, either said it was beyond the remit of the forum or that "finances did not permit".

Finances were found to build a brand new hospital in 10 days in preparation for Covid-19. Finances have also to be found to rebuild our economy.

Wrexham will fail to revive if it has a poverty of ambition. I believe we have a wealth of talent and potential but are not making the most of that due to a lack of vision for what we can achieve.

Plaid Cymru councillors submitted a number of questions and proposals for the Forum, including some of the basic points that have been actioned above.

We also asked residents via the popular Wrexham Town Matters Facebook page to send in their proposals and had a good, positive response.

Here are some ideas that we believe merit further debate and action:

• The Wrexham Pound - Giving residents some cash in the form of a "Wrexham Pound" to spend in local shops. It could be £20 per household. This can be redeemed by the local council but will clearly need funding from Welsh Government. A pilot project is in place in Mold and other cities have successfully pump primed their local economy in this way.

• Better transport links into town - Some mention in the forum was made of cycle paths and a £3 million bid to improve these has gone in to Welsh Government. But, as Cllr David Bithell admitted during the forum, this is not a game changer and we need to tackle public transport urgently. At present we're totally reliant on a private bus operator, Arriva, to deliver services in Wrexham. Wrexham Council, when it has the powers, should invest in its own green bus service as other municipal councils do to reduce the carbon footprint and provide a decent public transport network to enable people to travel to and from the town centre. Aberdeen and Manchester already have hydrogen-powered buses.

• Free car parking - In the meantime, free council car parking after 10am can provide a solution to the transport problem. This would encourage shoppers to come into town. The council will take a hit on its income but it may ensure businesses stay open and that is an overall benefit for the town.

• Democratic voice for the town centre - The town centre lacks a lobbying voice. There are four community councils - Offa, Rhosddu, Acton and Caia Park - who serve the town centre but they concentrate their attention on the residential areas. The four town-centre councillors also face the same pressures. A Wrexham Town Council will a specific remit and budget to improve the town centre would help ensure a stronger and more accountable voice for our town centre.

• Rebalance business rates - Town centre businesses currently pay a premium because of the outdated idea that the town centre has greater footfall. Welsh Government needs to rethink and rebalance the business rates system by reducing rates for town-centre businesses substantially while increasing those of the large supermarkets and out-of-town retailers. 

• Reduce rents - Similarly, landlords of town-centre properties are going to have to realise that they cannot continue to charge the same premium rents for a retail area that is no longer premium. Better to have 75% of the current rent than zero.

• Social media - The town centre as a whole needs to promote itself on social media. It's quick, effective and popular with all ages if done correctly. A lead needs to be taken to ensure all businesses and attractions in the town centre get exposure.

Wrexham town centre has many strengths and a walk round the town today revealed new businesses are gearing up to open alongside old favourites. If we get it right, we can make a success of this huge challenge.