Tuesday, July 2, 2013

AM calls for action to save landmark column

Clwyd South Assembly Member Ken Skates has called for urgent action to save one of the most iconic landmarks in North Wales.
 
Wynnstay Column, a Grade 2 listed feature of the former Wynnstay Park, was built in 1790 by architect John Wyatt as a memorial to the fourth baronet of the Williams-Wynn family. 
 
It reaches a height of 100ft and is a major landmark on the edge of the A483 and the village of Ruabon.
 
But in recent weeks residents living near the column have noticed the copper urn that sits atop the column suffering a prominent lean.
 
If left unattended, it is feared the urn could fall from the column.
 
Wrexham Council has now written to the owners of the landmark to take action to protect the column which is included on the council’s statutory list of buildings of special architectural or historic interest.
 
Mr Skates said: “The Wynnstay Column is one of the most recognisable landmarks in North Wales and seen by thousands of motorists every year from the A483.
 
“It is essential that such important components of our local heritage are retained and properly maintained. In recent months Wrexham has lost important historic treasures such as the Pontfadog Oak and I do not wish to see the Wynnstay Column lose its centrepiece urn.
 
“I am delighted Wrexham Council officers have been so swift in calling on the owners of the column to take action and I am pleased they have entered into productive talks with heritage experts.
 
“I hope we will soon see the urn corrected and this great feature restored.”

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