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Old 21st July 2017, 13.22:30   #1-0 (permalink)
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Default Welsh Government accused of 'passing the buck' over Wrexham's Racecourse

Welsh Government accused of 'passing the buck' over Wrexham's Racecourse - Daily Post

Cabinet Secretary Ken Skates says revamping historic stadium depends on council's business case in 'masterplan'

The Welsh Government is facing accusations it is “passing the buck” over investment in Wrexham’s historic Racecourse ground.

Plaid Cymru AM Llyr Gruffydd claims while Welsh Government is investing in two sporting arenas in south Wales, it is passing on the development of the Racecourse to Wrexham council.

Economy secretary Ken Skates says any investment would depend on a sound business case from the local authority as it develops a masterplan for Wrexham.

Mr Gruffydd also fears a campaign to establish a Welsh national football museum in Wrexham, started by Plaid in 2015, has now become “a feasibility study into a sports museum somewhere in Wales”.

He has questioned Welsh Government cabinet secretary for economy and infrastructure Ken Skates over both issues.

Wrexham Racecourse, the oldest international stadium in the world, needs millions of pounds to build a new stand to seat 4,560 people.

Mr Skates said officials recently met with Wrexham AFC bosses to discuss the vision for The Racecourse.

“The key significance will be the role local council plays in devising a master plan for the town to ensure that any development aligns with any other development in the area,” said Mr Skates.

“The Racecourse deserves to have the investment – that will only come as a result of a sound business case and a very clear vision.”

Mr Gruffydd said: “In recent weeks Mr Skates has been vocal in arguing for new investment in major events arenas for Newport and Cardiff.

“There, the Government has seen fit to take a lead, which is completely in order. But when it comes to advocating and arguing for a similar major event arena here in the North we see him pass the buck to the local council.”

Regarding the issue of a national football museum in Wales, Mr Skates said they were looking at all parts of Wales, but the preferred option was to locate it in Wrexham or elsewhere in the north.

Arguing the case for Wrexham, Mr Gruffydd said Wrexham was where the FA of Wales was established, the home of early internationals and was home to the third oldest club in the world.

“It’s the spiritual home of Welsh football and a national museum would provide a substantial economic boost to the area,” he said.

“Wrexham council already has an extensive collection of Welsh football memorabilia that’s been on show recently at the town’s museum and I’d like to see that collection on permanent display for fans to be able to see.

“England has a national football museum in Manchester, Scotland has one in Glasgow and it makes perfect sense to locate our national museum in Wrexham.

“As well as recognising the historic importance of the area in developing football in Wales, it would also re-balance the economic benefits towards the North.”

The Daily Post has contacted the Welsh Government for comment.
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