Time called on lager talks

Wrexham Lager's future is uncertain

The future of Wrexham Lager remains uncertain following an unsuccessful bid by a north Wales consortium to buy the business.

Last ditch talks between the Danish brewing giant Carlsberg-Tetley and the Phoenix Consortium were held at the House of Commons two weeks ago in a bid to get the lager back to north Wales.

Wrexham Lager is brewed in Leeds

The drink has been brewed in Leeds since the company shut the Wrexham brewery in 2000.

Thirty five jobs were lost, ending a 120-year tradition in the town.

Following the talks, Carlsberg-Tetley Chief Executive Colin Povey agreed to put together a series of options to facilitate a possible buy-out for Wrexham Lager, paving the way for a return of brewing to the town.

But following consideration, the Phoenix Group announced that they were pulling out of the talks.

Phoenix spokesman David Priestley said: "The consortium has examined in detail the options presented to us by Carlsberg-Tetley.

This project had a great deal of public support throughout North Wales

Martyn Jones, MP

"They did not offer anything new of significance and we have concluded that it will not be possible to develop a viable business plan.

"Reluctantly, we are therefore unable to commit ourselves any further to the Wrexham Lager project."

The Phoenix consortium had planned to re-establish a heritage brewery on the site, which was Britain's oldest lager brewery.

Martyn Jones:Lager should stay in Wrexham

They hoped to start production from the historic Cambrian Brewery at St Giles Way in Wrexham town centre.

Clwyd South MP Martyn Jones said the announcement was disappointing.

"This project had a great deal of public support throughout north Wales."

Carlsberg-Tetley have stated that when their contractual obligations to supply the lager expires in three years time, they will end brewing.

Mr Jones believes the fight must go on.

"Despite this latest setback, I am confident that in the course of the next three years a local individual or another consortium in the area can be found to take over brewing of Wrexham Lager," he said.

The MP has vowed to carry on fighting for the brand.

He wants Carlsberg-Tetley to put the brand in trust so it can be used when their production has stopped.

Mr Jones said: "Whether they like it or not, Carlsberg as current owners have a responsibility to ensure that Britain's proud brewing heritage is not poured down the drain."