Wrexham Council had to abandon plans for a theatre

Culture Minister Alun Pugh made the comments during a visit to Caernarfon.

Plans to build the �6m theatre were shelved in January after spiralling costs and legal wranglings.

Work on the theatre and conference centre was due to start this year, but money problems and local opposition blighted the project from day one.

A range of high profile arts investments are taking place in north Wales Alun Pugh

"I certainly don't blame Wrexham Council, in fact the leader Shan Wilkinson has shown great leadership but a high profile knocking campaign has led to the cancellation of the project," said Alun Pugh.

The Clwyd West AM spoke out as he visited Caernarfon's �7m arts centre, being built in the Victoria Docks area of the town.

"A range of high profile arts investments are taking place in north Wales," he said.

"As well as this splendid arts centre in Caernarfon, there are plans to develop the North Wales Theatre in Llandudno and Clwyd Theatr Cymru has been granted �100,000 for their mobile theatre.

"But Wrexham is an obvious exception following the collapse of their theatre project."

Mr Pugh said he wants people all over Wales to have the chance to enjoy theatre without travelling too far.

On Monday, Clwyd Theatr Cymru in Mold introduced a shuttle bus to take people living in Deeside, Flintshire back and forth from their homes to the theatre.

Wrexham Council has given up on the idea of having a new theatre in the town and a �4.6m grant awarded by the Arts Council of Wales to help fund the project will now have to be paid back.

Many people living locally objected to the project, claiming there was no need for another theatre in the area.

The William Aston Hall is nearby, as is the Stiwt in Rhos.

The Caernarfon Arts Centre will be completed in November and provide a 450-seat auditorium.