We stood up for what we believed was the right thing

A COUNCILLOR who led the challenge against Wrexham’s Local Development Plan is ‘relieved’ after the Public Service Ombudsman for Wales cleared him of breaching the members’ Code of Conduct.

- By ALEC DOYLE Local Democracy Reporter

The independent Ombudsman has ruled that Plaid Cymru group leader Cllr Marc Jones did not breach the Code of Conduct by jointly initiating legal proceedings in Wrexham Council’s name with two other members of the council.

As a result, it has ruled no further action should be taken.

“The overwhelming feeling is of relief after waiting for 20 months,” said Cllr Jones.

“This feels like the end of a chapter, even if it’s not the end of the entire saga surrounding the Local Development Plan (LDP). We stood up for what we believed was the right thing for Wrexham communities and the right of councillors and local democracy to be heard.

“Others didn’t feel the same way and tried every way possible to silence us. Ultimately it didn’t work and the courts, police and now the Ombudsman have found in our favour.

“It’s time to move on and get the LDP withdrawn so that we can ensure we have a plan going forward that works for Wrexham and its communities.”

That could happen next Wednesday when an extraordinary meeting of Wrexham Council has been called to debate a notice of motion asking Welsh Government to formally withdraw the LDP.