AM denies knowledge of result of firm’s bid ahead of meeting
AN ASSEMBLY Member has denied knowing about a Wrexham factory’s successful expansion bid ahead of a meeting to discuss complaints about emissions.
Clwyd South AM Ken Skates held talks with a representative from Kronospan in Chirk along with community leaders towards the end of September amid concerns from residents about the facility’s impact on the environment.
The dialogue took place shortly before it was announced the company had won an appeal to extend its wood panel manufacturing plant on Holyhead Road in the town.
The proposals were originally put on hold by councillors amid fears about road safety, but a planning inspector appointed by the Welsh Government said the development should go ahead after publishing his findings earlier this month.
It led to accusations that Mr Skates would have known of the outcome before the meeting, including from one of the attendees.
However, he has now published a statement on Facebook to dismiss claims by Chirk south councillor Terry Evans, which he said were inaccurate.
Mr Skates said: “After being made aware of untrue and misleading statements on social media, it is important to point out that the recent decision to overrule Wrexham Council was made by the independent planning inspector, who is, as the title clearly states, independent. Local councillors will know this.
“Therefore, it is impossible that they or I could have known the outcome before the recent meeting with the local county councillor and the chair of Chirk Environmental Liaison Group. Attendees were agreed by the local county councillor.”