AndyG In Rhosnesni

ACTON COMMUNITY RESOURCE CENTRE SAVED!

Plaid Cymru Wrecsam has welcomed the decision to pause actions relating to the displacement of users from Acton Resource Centre, following growing concern from residents, community groups, and elected members.

Following an emergency meeting involving council officers and local members, the council is now exploring a co-existing option which would allow current community activities to remain on site, while additional space would be created for community use through an extension, with confirmation that funding is secured.
The previous proposal would have seen existing users, including youth provision, community groups, and social activities for older residents, given just three months to vacate the site.

Local councillor Andy Gallanders welcomed the latest development but said the situation should never have reached this stage.

He said:
“Following the emergency meeting, I welcome the decision to pause these actions and look at a co-existing option that protects valued community provision while supporting adult day services.

There will inevitably be some disruption whilst works are carried out, but this approach offers far greater long-term security for community use at Acton Resource Centre.

However, if proper engagement had taken place in the first place, months of worry and upset for residents, volunteers, and service users could have been avoided.

I hope lessons have been learnt from this experience and that we do not see another situation like this again.

We now look forward to positively engaging with this process to secure the best possible outcome for all concerned.”

Plaid Cymru Wrexham said the outcome shows the importance of listening to communities and ensuring transparency, consultation, and impact assessments are undertaken before major changes affecting local services are proposed.

MESSAGE from Wrexham County Borough Council

'We want to reassure residents that community use remains a key priority in plans for Acton Resource Centre. Plans will be reviewed to deliver a modern space for both community groups and day services. Engagement will take place with current and future users to help shape the design to ensure it reflects a range of needs and uses. Engagement dates will be announced shortly.

While some temporary disruption is expected during redevelopment, the aim is to secure a long-term future for the centre with access for the community. A further report will be considered by the Executive Board in July and next steps will be subject to that decision.'