大象传媒

25 May 2011 Last updated at 11:58

AM asks Lord Coe to bring Olympic torch to Wrexham

Wrexham's Assembly Member has written to the chair of the London 2012 Olympic Organising Committee to ask that Wrexham be included in the Olympic torch relay route.

Lesley Griffiths has told Sebastian Coe it would be a "great shame" if the town were not included in next May's route.

She has also called on Wrexham council to support the bid.

The torch is currently scheduled to be carried through Cardiff, Swansea, Aberystwyth and Bangor.

It will be the first time the torch has been carried through Wales, and it will make its Welsh debut on Friday, 25 May, 2012.

About 500 runners will carry the torch on its Welsh leg.

A statement issued by Ms Griffiths' office said: "The provisional route of the relay has been already released giving details of the places the torch is to visit overnight, including Bangor, Chester and Stoke-on-Trent.

"However concerns have been raised over whether this means Wrexham is to miss out on seeing the torch on its travels."

'One voice'

Ms Griffiths - the newly-appointed Welsh Government's Health Minister - added: "A number of constituents have raised concerns with me feeling that Wrexham has missed out, as the town is not listed on the provisional route.

"However, we could still see the relay routed here as the full details have not been agreed upon.

"I believe it would be a great event for the town, and people of the town would give the Olympic torch a reception second to none.

"Our town has produced a number of notable sporting personalities, and the people of Wrexham know well the power of sport to inspire.

"It would be a great shame if Wrexham were to miss out on this once in a generation opportunity - which is exactly what I highlighted to Lord Coe."

"I hope the council join with me in requesting the torch be routed via Wrexham. It is important we speak with one voice on this matter."

Wrexham council has been asked to comment.