Dragon Tower plan revealed

Ambitious plans to build a huge £6 million iconic Dragon Tower near Oswestry to rival the Angel of the North were unveiled today. It comprises a 25m tall sculpture and culture complex.

It is set to be built near the A5 at Chirk, creating 50 jobs.

The complex includes an art gallery, a 100-seater cafe/bar, a 125-seat Mabinogion restaurant, plus space for education, language st- udy and potentially a museum.

Taking centre stage will be a huge bronze dragon which will sit on a 40m high tower, symbolising the heritage and culture of Wales and the pride of the Welsh people.

Visitors will enter at the base of the tower where there will be displays and an opportunity to learn about Welsh culture. A gallery at the top will let visitors stand beneath the dragon while taking in views of Wales and the Oswestry area.

It is hoped the Waking the Dragon project will become a cultural icon for North Wales in the way the Statue of Liberty is for America, Wrexham businessman Simon Wingett, who is behind the project, said.

The proposals have been backed by Wrexham Council and Visit Wales. Money raised from patrons will go to the Frank Wingett Cancer Appeal.