PLANS to hold a rock festival in Marchwiel have been scrapped after organisers were faced with a barrage of opposition from villagers.
Organisers of the proposed three-day Rex Live 2004 festival pulled the plug on plans after residents argued that their village could not cope with the traffic and noise 60,000 visitors would attract.
Farmer Bill Pryce, who owns Bryn-y-Grog Hall, where the July festival was to be held, claims the people of Wrexham may have missed out on a golden opportunity.
Mr Pryce, who hoped the event would bring some respect back to Wrexham in the wake of the Caia Park riots and the collapse of the theatre project, said: 'The promoters have decided not to press ahead.
'It's very sad as I believe it would have been very good for business in the area.'
Local residents had opposed the plans from day one and more than 200 voiced their concerns at a packed-out public meeting last week.
Marchwiel and District Action Group vice-chairman David Downes said: 'In our opinion common sense has broken through.
'We were never against the idea of a festival, just that Marchwiel could not cope with such an event.'
Mr Downes has been in talks with local businesses in order to suggest alternative sites to hold the open-air concert.
Events director for Rex Live Andrew Roberts-Evans confirmed the event has been scrapped because of locals' opposition.
He said promoters were looking at other possible venues in the area proposed by villagers and members of Wrexham Council.
