A new theatre could be built in Wrexham

The project, which has a shortfall of more than �800,000, is expected to be given the go ahead on Wednesday when councillors meet to discuss the scheme.

"The money would be better spent on schools with leaking roofs," said Wrexham county councillor Arwel Jones.

"The Coedpoeth and Rhos areas desperately need new schools and I just can't understand why the council want to spend money on this theatre.

"We've more theatres than we need in Wrexham.

I wouldn't want the taxpayers to have to pick up the bill Arwel Jones Wrexham councillor

"The William Aston Hall has been re-modernised and it's a wonderful place with excellent parking and it's just off the motorway," he added.

"We've also got The Stiwt in Rhos, The Little Theatre in Wrexham, and the superschools to be built in Wrexham will have theatre classes."

The theatre and conference centre, which is expected to cost around �7m, will be built alongside the existing library and arts centre in the town.

It would have a seating capacity of 400.

The project can only go ahead if the Welsh assembly agrees to bridge the �800,000 funding gap.

Meeting

If the assembly refuses and the council rules against going ahead with the project, the local authority will have to spend �400,000 for work already done.

Mr Jones, who represents Rhos on Wrexham council, said if the scheme went ahead it could prove costly.

"The theatre would probably cost around �250,000 every year," he said.

"I wouldn't want the taxpayers to have to pick up the bill."

Wrexham Council will hold their meeting to discuss the project at 1800BST on Wednesday.