Parking charges ‘should be spent on Ruabon Station improvements’

Community leaders are calling on Wrexham Council to plough money from new parking charges back into facilities at Ruabon Station.

Clwyd South AM Ken Skates wrote to the authority last month to establish if there were any plans to use the recently introduced £2-a-day payments for improvements.

He said: “There was plenty of opposition to the proposals, but they have been pushed through. The best we can do now is ask for a commitment from the council that these new charges for residents and commuters will be used to benefit station users and the wider community as opposed to simply providing a revenue stream for the council.

“A number of my constituents raised concerns that the introduction of these charges – up to £400 a year – might put people off visiting Ruabon, which would obviously have an effect on the local economy. We have to hope that does not materialise.”

Ruabon councillor Dana Davies said: “Ruabon is a very well-used station so it seems only fair that the money commuters must now pay is reinvested. I personally believe enhancing disabled access should be a top priority, and I would welcome residents’ thoughts.”

Cefn Mawr councillor Derek Wright agreed. He said: “It would be great if these charges were put back into the station to help bring it into the 21st century, with proper access for all to both platforms.”

Labour AM Mr Skates added: “I’m currently awaiting a response from the council, but I am hoping – as I’m sure many other station users are – for a firm commitment that people will soon see where there money is going.”