THE Welsh Government has rubbished claims it does not invest in Wrexham as "nonsense", after criticism in the wake of Wales Comic Con's move to Telford.

Despite the event being a Wrexham success story and celebrating its 10 year anniversary at Glyndwr University last year, organisers have taken the decision to not only leave the town but the country in December.

The announcement prompted criticism of Wrexham Council and the Welsh Government that the area had had lost such a huge event, with questions being asked whether more could have been done to keep it in the town.

But both authorities say investment is being made in the town's infrastructure and that efforts had been made to help the organisers plan the event, and both are willing to work with them in order for the event to return in the future.

Cllr Terry Evans, lead member for economic development and regeneration, said: “Representatives from Wrexham Council’s events team made approaches over the years to Comic Con to offer support, and a recent event saw the council support the convention with the provisions of volunteer staff, though this offer was declined the following year.

"The event also won Best Large Event at Wrexham’s 2017 Tourism Awards.

“Organisers from Comic Con were also invited to take part in Safety Advisory Group meetings, which are held in order to address issues such as access and parking – however, no representation from the event was forthcoming.

“Comic Con going to Telford is undoubtedly a loss for the area’s events calendar, and we recognise their success and the impact they have on the tourist trade here in Wrexham. We are more than willing to engage with the organisation to ensure that a solution can be found for future events, and for the good of the local tourism economy.

“While the event’s success may have seen it outgrow its native venue, we would be happy to work with them on possible solutions or other sites for the future, should they envision future events in the area.

“Plans are underway for infrastructure improvements which will increase provision and capacity for similar large events in Wrexham in future, including the redevelopment of the Mold Road Gateway – further details will be announced in the near future.

“We have an active and varied events programme throughout the year, including three large events over the Christmas period during December.”

A Welsh Government spokesman said: “Whilst we are disappointed by Wales Comic Con’s decision to move from Wrexham, to say we’re not investing in the area is nonsense.

"More than £10 million Welsh Government funding is modernising transport infrastructure and services in Wrexham and we have also provided £6 million in support of the redevelopment of derelict offices at Grosvenor Road, in the town centre. Our Vibrant and Viable Places Programme allocated funds in excess of £10.8 million for the delivery of regeneration projects throughout Wrexham county borough and we invested £700,000 in the Ty Pawb Arts Hub.

“These are just an example of the investment we have made in Wrexham and it is also for the private sector to approach us for development opportunities. We will continue to support the area like we do in all parts of Wales.”