Council backing gives plan wings
Could an 80ft Welsh dragon one day stand roaring into the sky on the border between Shropshire and Wales?
The idea of a Welsh tourist attraction to rival the Angel of the North has taken several forms over the years.
And although the original idea – of having the dragon on top of a 200ft tower – has been scaled down, businessman Simon Wingett believes his current £4 million proposal is a winner.
He wants to build an 80ft bronze dragon and cultural centre just off the A5 at Halton, near Chirk, the Roman gateway to Wales.
This week councillors in Chirk reiterated their support for the ambitious plans, which would create 80 jobs.
The town councillors backed the proposals for a dragon tower after being asked to give their formal support by Mr Wingett.
Town clerk Sam Hughes told the councillors on Wednesday night that Mr Wingett had written to the authority asking for its support.
Mr Hughes said the letter was hoping the council would support "every effort to bring about the project to a conclusion".
The town council agreed in November not to become a formal funding partner of the scheme. Mr Wingett urged the council to invest £2 million, funded through a loan but, after going into private session to debate the request,the council voted not to get involved.
The site will also include an amphitheatre and a Welsh Centre of Excellence with a cafe bar, farm shop, ice cream parlour and bakery, restaurant and conference centre and a 4,000sq feet gallery space.
