Assembly Member for Wrexham, Lesley Griffiths, has written to Sebastian Coe, Chair of the London 2012 Olympic Organising Committee to argue the case that Wrexham should be included in the 2012 Olympic Torch Relay route.
The provisional route of the relay has been already released giving details of the places the torch is to visit overnight, including Bangor, Chester and Stoke-on-Trent. However concerns have been raised over whether this means Wrexham is to miss out on seeing the torch on its travels.
In her letter, Lesley highlighted the sporting heritage of the town and the proximity to Wrexham of possible transit routes for the torch, both on the way to Chester from Bangor and from Chester to Stoke-on- Trent.
She also called upon Wrexham Council Leader, Ron Davies, to support the bid to route the torch via Wrexham, penning another letter asking for Council support on the matter.
Commenting, Lesley said:
“A number of constituents have raised concerns with me feeling that Wrexham has missed out, as the town is not listed on the provisional route. However, we could still see the relay routed here as the full details have not been agreed upon.
“I believe it would be a great event for the town, and people of the town would give the Olympic torch a reception second to none”
“Our town has produced a number of notable sporting personalities, and the people of Wrexham know well the power of sport to inspire. It would be a great shame if Wrexham were to miss out on this once in a generation opportunity -which is exactly what I highlighted to Lord Coe.”
Adding,
“I hope the Council join with me in requesting the torch be routed via Wrexham. It is important we speak with one voice on this matter.”
The Olympic torch relay will remain overnight in Chester on Tuesday 29th May 2012.
