Traffic fears sees Kronospan plans deferred

Kronospan in Chirk want to build the new facility, however the proposals have been put back after politicians were told 1,000 lorries would be using the town's roads every day.

The development forms part of the firm’s plans to invest £200 million in the site over the next three years, which it claims will boost the area’s economy.

But people from the community think it will only be a matter of time before a major accident happens in the town.

Members of Wrexham Council’s planning committee voted in favour of asking officers to meet with the company to consider creating a new access road.

Chirk Town Council chair Jackie Allen told a recent meeting the increase in traffic amounted to 24 per cent.

She said: “We’re constantly reminded of vehicle movements when we see HGV vehicles stationary outside the entrance waiting to turn into the site.

“Should this planning proposal go ahead today it will increase HGV movement by a further 200 vehicles.

“The biggest impact on the community, which we appreciate is a planning consideration, is around vehicles.

“We feel enough is enough. The factory desperately needs another road and another means of access.”

The proposals were originally backed for approval by planning officers, who said the wood panel company had agreed to provide an extra weigh bridge to solve queuing traffic.

The company has also outlined its intention to transport more timber to the site by rail.

Chairman Mike McKenna said the scheme was an important part of firm’s plans.

Planning committee chair councillor Mike Morris warned that deferral of the proposals could lead to a planning appeal being submitted.

But every member voted in favour of officers holding talks with Kronospan about creating a new access point.