Access barriers on the Wales Coast Path in Flintshire, which also forms part of the National Cycle Network, will be removed as a result of community campaigning. Flintshire County Council, along with Sustrans, a number of other campaigners, organisations and partners, have committed to swift action to ensure better accessibility for everyone.
Flintshire County Council has agreed to remove access barriers on its sections of the Wales Coast Path, which forms part of National Cycle Network Route 5. Credit: Deborah Jayne.
Following a successful community-led campaign, Flintshire County Council have agreed to start work to improve the accessibility of the Wales Coast Path, which forms part of National Cycle Network Route 5.
Thanks to Shared Prosperity Funding from UK Government, secured for Flintshire Coast Park, an in-depth review of accessibility has been undertaken.
Together Creating Communities (TCC) and its allies welcomed the ambitious announcement from the local authority.
TCC is a community organising charity that’s dedicated to tackling social injustice and improving the quality of life for communities in northeast Wales.
The campaign to remove access barriers from the Flintshire sections of the Wales Coast Path has been a collaboration with various groups and organisations, including:
Sustrans Cymru, Cycling UK, The FDF Centre for Independent Living, Disabled Ramblers UK, Wheels for Wellbeing, Transport for All, North Wales Crusaders Wheelchair Rugby League and Disability Sports Club, and Chester Wheelers.
Working with their partners in North Wales Police, Natural Resources Wales, Sustrans Cymru, and local councillors, Flintshire County Council will start removing access barriers this year to ensure the coast is open and accessible for everyone to use.
Community-led campaigning that will lead to real change
This news will have come as a resounding success for local campaigners, with some – like The FDF Centre for Independent Living and Chester Wheelers - having been calling for changes for nine years.
Jan Thomas, Chief Officer for The FDF Centre for Independent Living, said, “We welcome the news that after nine years Flintshire County Council have made the decision that barriers along the Coast Path are discriminatory and will now be removing them.”
“I would like to thank TCC for leading on this campaign and bringing together a wide variety of groups and supporters to be involved, to gain more independence for disabled people.”
For people like Debbie, access barriers have limited her ability to access the Coast Path and the National Cycle Network on her recumbent trike.
David Hughes, Community Officer for TCC, said, “I would really like to thank the groups and those with lived experiences who have told us about the negative effects the barriers have had on their health and well-being.”
“Community organising is a powerful tool for creating positive change, and this campaign has been an example of such collective power and action.”
“This collaborative approach not only strengthens our communities, but also fosters a sense of belonging and empowerment.”
Flintshire County Council to move forward decisively
After identifying several access barriers along the Dee Estuary foreshore, work to remove them will begin in Saltney before Christmas, according to the local authority.
The removal of barriers along the length of the entire estuary will be done in a phased approach, as agreed with North Wales Police, and in alignment with the Flintshire Coast Park project.
Councillor Chris Dolphin, Cabinet Member for Economy, Environment and Climate Change, said, “The Dee Estuary is a fantastic natural asset for our communities in Flintshire, and I am really pleased after months of work and planning we can now make this decision to ensure everyone can enjoy it.”
Flintshire County Council have expressed that this forms part of their vision for an accessible coast park, that celebrates the natural environment and heritage of the Welsh coast.
Councillor Debbie Owen, Local Member for Connah’s Quay, stated, “I have worked hard to get this issue considered and I’m delighted that through the Flintshire Coast Park development work, this outcome has been realised, and the coast path will be accessible for everyone in Flintshire to enjoy.”
Speaking on behalf of Sustrans, Anthony Jones, Network Development Manager, added, “This news is testament to community groups, local councillors, Members of the Senedd and charities working together to achieve the common goal of providing access for all.”
“We have to thank and acknowledge the continued campaigning work done by amazing local people, as well as the local authority for coming to this fantastic decision that will make accessing spaces easier for everyone.”
