Local MP Breaks Silence On Possible Wrexham Flintshire Merger

Wrexham MP Ian Lucas today broke his silence on Wrexham Council’s decision to not participate in a voluntary merger with Flintshire County Council.

Two weeks ago Wrexham Council voted against participating in a voluntary merger with Flintshire Council with councillors voting in favour to ‘stand alone’.

However speaking at this morning’s Town Centre Forum, Mr Lucas said: “The position of the Welsh Government is to create 10 councils in Wales. I think Wrexham should be seeing this as an opportunity and my concern is it’s an opportunity that is going to be missed.

“We need to be in the business of Wrexham leading a joint authority as being the largest town in North Wales. If it it happens Wrexham should be the civic centre that runs that authority, we should have the offices and a crime court in Wrexham. All of that would create an opportunity for Wrexham.

“I see no strategic vision for Wrexham in terms of transport to build on strength of North East Wales. Far from being a threat and continue as we are, we should see it as an opportunity to take the town forward as head of a larger authority.”

Recently Wrexham Assembly Member Lesley Griffiths has spoken of her disappointment over Wrexham Council’s decision to not participate in a voluntary merger. Speaking last week Lesley Griffiths AM said: “The Local Authority has the opportunity to set out a vision and its own agenda. I believe, therefore, it is in the best interests of the people of Wrexham for them to enter discussions with Flintshire Council.

“Voluntary mergers enable the Local Authority to shape their own future, as well as providing the opportunity to end uncertainty for their staff and the wider public.”

However Wrexham Councillors have raised concerns previously regarding the lack of detail in the Williams Report, stating that a voluntary merger would turn Wrexham into a ‘ghost town’.

Thoughts on the proposed merger were reiterated this morning by councillor’s present at the meeting, with Council Leader Mark Pritchard saying that ‘fools rush in’.

Cllr Pritchard said: “We took a political decision that we wouldn’t take part in a voluntary merger with Flintshire. This decision was supported by the Independents, Conservatives and Plaid, however Labour Councillors abstained from the vote. I was disappointed but they are entitled to their own vote.

“We won’t do a voluntary merger for obvious reasons – we do not know what it will cost. It is important we keep as keep as many facilities and offices in the town centre for footfall. For me one of the biggest issues is where it would be based location wise, and they can’t tell us that. Until we start discussions and they can tell us where the location will be and we can start listening to them.

“This has been pushed through and I think they have decided they will do this come what may. We believe Wrexham is big enough to do this on our own, we are growing and we can stand alone. I dread to think what the loss to the local economy would be if we were based in Mold. However do believe there are some facilities that would work better together, buts its not one glove fits all.

“Fools rush in, why would we as an authority rush in if we don’t know what it will cost us? They have done this too quickly, would you go into a partnership if you don’t know where you’re going to be located. If you have a new job you want to know where you’re driving to work. I am not against merging, I am against being pushed. We all need to respect the democratic process that took place, we took a vote and that’s localism and local democracy.”

Former Leader Councillor Neil Rogers also raised comments on proposed merger, stating: “Mr Lucas said we had no strategic vision – we have had Vibrant and Viable Places, solar panels, 21st century schools project. When you read the report you will see why I’m opposed to it.

“There is no additional money for local authorities. Some authorities were failing in education and social care, we are not. Council Tax levels in Flintshire are greater than they are in Wrexham. There would be a reduction in staff and it would have an impact on the economy of Wrexham. I think the council does have a vision.”

A debate has been started on our forums regarding the proposed merger between Wrexham and Flintshire. You can take part / view the discussion in full here…