MARCHWIEL residents have expressed their concerns over plans to hold a 'mini Glastonbury festival' which could bring thousands of visitors to their village.
But one of the organisers, Bill Pryce, says the event will bring some respect back to Wrexham in the wake of the Caia Park riots and the collapse of the theatre project.
And the determined farmer, who owns Bryn-y-Grog Hall in the village, says the festival willgoaheadon hisland,despitelocal opposition.
Since plans for the open-air pop festival, Rex Live 2004, were unveiled, many March-wiel residents have voiced their concerns over the proposed three-day festival, which is planned for July.
Marchwiel resident Morag Browning said: 'Life is going to be made hell for residents in this area for weeks leading up to the event, and during the event.
'People are going to be coming into the village from all directions and the access through the village just isn't good enough. 'Residents are going to be disrupted, the noise is going to be terrible. And there could be drink and drugs brought into the village.A lot of residents are worried about the effect on local children.
'People are going to be all over the place. There is no way you can control how people are going to park and we are worried about people's privacy and property being invaded. The organisers are not going to take responsibility for security outside the venue.'
Mrs Browning added: 'The organisers are saying it's going to bring a jobs boost to the area,butit's only going to be for three days so how can it?'
But farmer Bill Pryce disputes these claims. He said: 'This is going to be a great boost for our area. We have lost our theatre and the town is still being remembered for the Caia Park riots. We need something to bring respect back to the area and to bring us together as a community.
'I have run a number of events on my land over the years and everybody thoroughly enjoys them.
'There are bound to be some residents with concerns but we've got to allay their fears.
'We've had a great deal of support from local companies already and I think in some way everybody is going to benefit from this. Stars and visitors are going to need places to stay so that's got to be a boost for the area's tourist industry.'
He added: 'I will say to all those who are concerned that if this event was going to harm our area in any way then I wouldn't run it.'
Mr Pryce, who says he will not tolerate drugs and alcohol at the family festival, said the organisers were in talks with some high-profile acts and also some locally-based bands.
He added: 'This is going to be an upmarket and entertaining event and I can guarantee it's not to be missed.'
Phil Robinson, chairman of Marchwiel Community Council, said: 'Pop concerts are generally very good for towns but I don't think the village of Marchwiel is suitable. The roads are far from satisfactory.
'But it's all up in the air at the moment, nothing has been agreed or finalised.
'We know a public meeting has been organised for next Friday so we'll just have to wait and see what happens.'
Wrexham County Borough's Environmental department will be taking views away from the public meeting, and a spokesperson for the council said that a licence for the event has yet to be applied for.
