Town's stadium 'need' recognised

Lesley Griffiths said the meeting had been "constructive"

The Welsh sports minister recognises Wrexham's need for a stadium capable of hosting international sporting events, the town's assembly member has said.

Lesley Griffiths AM and Wrexham council officials attended a meeting with Rhodri Glyn Thomas in Cardiff.

Wrexham FC want public funding towards plans to make The Racecourse the "Millennium Stadium of the north."

It is hoped the bid will not be affected if Wrexham are relegated from the Football League this week.

The Dragons are nine points from safety with four games left, and if their result against Notts County on Saturday is bettered by Dagenham, the club will be relegated.

It is not known whether relegation would damage their chances of attracting public funding towards a new all-seated stand.

"Strategic venue"

There are also separate plans for a housing and retail development at The Racecourse.

Ms Griffiths described the meeting with Mr Thomas as "constructive".

She said: "It's vital that we retain the Racecourse. It's very important not just for Wrexham but for north Wales. We now have a clear new vision for the Racecourse.

"We need to broaden the horizion and get other events there. It needs to be more dynamic and there needs to be more community facilities there if that can be achieved."

She added that Mr Thomas also "recognised fully the need for a stadium in Wrexham to host international sporting events".

She said: "He wants to see young people have the opportunity, in the future, to see their sporting heroes playing at the Racecourse. That is an aspiration we all share."