Wrexham Council has given a firm “no” to the creation of a new national park in Wales, dubbing the £4m project an “ego trip.” This proposal, known as Glyndŵr National Park, aimed to cover the stunning Clwydian Range and Dee Valley, but multiple councils aren’t convinced.
Denbighshire and Powys have already said “thanks, but no thanks,” with Flintshire voicing similar hesitations. At the heart of the debate is the lack of info on financial implications. Cllr Hugh Jones from Wrexham stated that there’s just not enough detail, and signing a “blank cheque” is a big no-no.
Even as the Natural Resources Wales consultation wrapped up on December 8th, concerns linger. Cllr Trevor Bates questioned: “Why discuss a £4m project without guarantees?” While Cllr Terry Evans highlighted potential headaches: think crowded roads and emergency services under pressure – issues Wrexham locals know all too well.
Interestingly, there are some who see potential perks. Cllr Robert Ian Williams noted that residents in other national parks enjoy the prestige and increased property values, wondering where the local support was hiding.
In the end, the majority stood by Cllr Jones, criticising the whole process for disregarding local voices. They feel like there’s been more talking than listening from those in power.
What do you think? Should the natural beauty of the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley be showcased with a national park, or are councils right to push back on plans lacking clarity? Join the conversation! 🌳🏞️