Wrexham, Looking After the Crown Jewels...It Has to be the Racecourse!

The furore over the future of Wrexham's Racecourse has taken on a European dimension this week with Plaid Cymru's European candidate and Sports Spokesperson Jon Blackwood speaking up for a community-based club, following a visit to the ground with Jill Evans MEP.

(PRWEB) May 31, 2004 -- After visiting the Racecourse Ground whilst campaigning in Wrexham ahead of the June 10 polls, Jon said:

"I have been saddened to hear of Wrexham's financial difficulties throughout the football season that has just finished. As the oldest club in the north of Wales, it is vital that a sustainable long-term future is found for the club at the Racecourse. I am very concerned that the club now seems to be in the hands of a property speculator who has no interest whatever in the team."

Jon has watched and supported football all his life and, if elected to the European Parliament, is pledging to campaign actively on Welsh sport and the issues that matter to ordinary fans. He concluded:

"I believe strongly that clubs like Wrexham provide a focus and a badge of identity for the entire community. As such, I believe that communities should own football clubs, as is currently the case at AFC Bournemouth and Lincoln City. I shall be keeping a close eye on developments at the Racecourse, and Red Dragons fans can call on my active help and practical support in their efforts to save the club."

North Wales AM Janet Ryder added:

"As well as football matches, I have attended rugby league and rugby union matches at the Racecourse and both have been hugely successful. Just as the Millennium Stadium is praised for its city centre location, the Racecourse Ground is wonderfully situated close to the centre of the largest town in the north.

"It is vital not only that Wrexham continue to play there, but also that the ground continues to be a venue for other major sports."

NOTES FOR JOURNALISTS:

1. Wrexham was formally taken over by Mr. Alex Hamilton, a Manchester businessman, on May 24th. Amongst those on the board alongside Mr. Hamilton is former Lincoln City chairman John Reames.

2. The new board says that its first option is to redevelop the Racecourse but has failed to rule out leaving the ground. The plans involve the redevelopment of a ground that was updated to fully modern standards as recently as 1999.

3. Jon Blackwood and Jill Evans MEP will be at the Racecourse on Sunday for the Wales-Canada international.

4. The attached photo shows Plaid Cymru European candidate Jon Blackwood at the Racecourse Ground, Wrexham, with his Wrexham shirt.

5. Jill Evans MEP is top of the Plaid Cymru list for the European elections, and Jon Blackwood is second.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Plaid Cymru - The Party of Wales,
Ty Gwynfor, 18 Park Grove, Caerdydd/Cardiff, CF10 3BN, Cymru/Wales.
Tel: +44 (0)29 2064 6000; Ffacs/Fax: +44 (0)29 2064 6001