Second man charged over Plas Madoc community scheme

A second man has been charged after an investigation into allegations of financial irregularities involving a scheme to regenerate one of Wales' most deprived housing estates.

Police said a man, 35, from Manchester, had been charged with four offences of money laundering and one offence of fraud in relation to the Communities First scheme at Plas Madoc, Wrexham.

He was bailed and is due to appear before magistrates on 31 December.

The investigation continues.

On Tuesday, a 46-year-old man was charged with theft and fraud as part of the same investigation, and is also due in court in Mold on 31 December.

Another man, the scheme's finance officer Andy Bunning, and co-ordinator Miriam Beard, were suspended earlier this year after an auditor's report revealed management weaknesses and a "fundamental lack of financial control" within the Plas Madoc Communities First project.

Mr Bunning later resigned and Ms Beard was dismissed following a disciplinary hearing.