The businessman behind the project to build a huge dragon tower on the Shropshire border wants to see it in place in time for the 2012 Olympics.

Simon Wingett says he already had pledges of £7 million from investors for the scheme and if confident that as soon as planning permission is given the remaining £2 million he needs will follow.

But after Wrexham County Borough councillors deferred a decision on whether to grant planning permission for the tower Mr Wingett, from Bangor on Dee, said time was an important issue.

Councillors want more information on traffic management and the business plans for the tower, which is planned on land off the A483 at Halton near Chirk.

And at a meeting this week they said they wanted the dragon to be red.

Mr Wingett says it is vital that the structure is in place can be in place ready for when Great Britain hosts the Olympic Games in 2012.

“The tower can be such an attraction for tourists coming to this country to see the games,” Mr Wingett said.

“If it is not in place for then I fear that we will have missed a terrific opportunity.”

He said the original plans to have the tower built in time for the national eisteddfod in Wrexham this year had already been scuppered.

“Funding is going really well,” he said. “We already have pledges from the business world and from our one pound appeal of £7 million. Once planning permission is granted I am confident that the other £2 million will be forthcoming.”

He said he was prepared to meet councillors and council officers over the colour of the dragon.

“Do they want a subtle red or a bright red dragon. Bronze does age and its colour will change with weathering.”

The Waking the Dragon project is to build a 147 foot tower on which the 77 foot high dragon will sit.

At its foot will be a two storey, curved visitor centre with a floor space of 2,150sq m. The centre will house a reception area, cafe and kitchen, a retail area, an education/gallery area, and a restaurant and multi-use area.

By Sue Austin