Wrexham City Centre is undergoing a significant transformation as Wrexham Council implements a new scheme aimed at increasing pedestrian accessibility. From this week, a number of streets in the city centre will be closed to vehicles each day from 11.30am to 6am, creating a more welcoming environment for pedestrians.

Access to the city centre during the restricted hours will be limited to a single entry point, which will be monitored by rise and fall bollards and Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras. Wrexham Council has indicated that fines will be imposed on those who do not comply with the new regulations. This initiative has been funded by various sources, including the UK Government's Shared Prosperity Fund, the Welsh Government's Transforming Towns Fund, Safer Streets Fund, and the Active Travel Fund. The aim, as stated by the council, is to enhance the appeal of High Street and the surrounding area as a pedestrian-friendly destination.

Concerns, however, have emerged from local businesses regarding the potential impact of the vehicle ban on trade. In response to this challenge, a local restaurant has adopted a creative solution. The family-run Bank Small Plates, located on High Street, has announced that it will offer customers a unique proposition: diners can have their parking fees deducted from their bills. The restaurant commented, "The new road regulations come into force! This will mean no access from 11am to High Street. We know this will make it difficult for many people who visit us but we hope this will not put you off coming to see us or anyone else on High Street."

To take advantage of this offer, customers need to take a photo of their parking ticket to receive the discount, which the restaurant hopes will encourage continued patronage.

Councillor Nigel Williams, the lead member for economy and regeneration at Wrexham Council, addressed the funding aspect of the project, noting, "Securing funding from the various sources has meant we were able to invest a significant amount of money on public realm improvements for the High Street area." He acknowledged the disruptions that may come with such a transformative project, stating, "Like any significant project of this size there has been disruption caused, but at all times we have attempted to keep disruption to a minimum."

The specific streets affected by the vehicle restrictions include Yorke Street, Chester Street, Charles Street, Henblas Street, High Street, Hope Street, Regent Street, Lambpit Street, Upper Town Hill, Church Street, Queen Street, and Queens Square.

With the final elements of the transformation expected to be completed in the coming weeks, Wrexham Council anticipates that the improvements will have a positive impact on the area, transforming it into a more pedestrian-friendly space for residents and visitors alike.

Source: Noah Wire Services