CALLS have been made for a solution to fix the missing link in a path which runs along the Flintshire coastline.<\/p>\n
It follows senior councillors backing proposalsto improve access and create jobs in communities along the Dee estuary by creating a coastal park.<\/p>\n
The countys coastline stretches for approximately 25 miles, most of which forms part of the Wales Coast Path.<\/p>\n
However, there is currently a gap in the trail between Connahs Quay and Flint, where walkers are forced to divert along the A548 before returning to the coast.<\/p>\n
Flintshire Council leader Ian Roberts now wants to see plans drawn up to address the situation after a previous bid to create a boardwalk was rejected.<\/p>\n
The Labour politician said the decision was taken due to concerns about the impact on birds which live on the estuary.<\/p>\n
Speaking at a cabinet meeting held yesterday (Tuesday, 18 January), he said:One of the key issues which we all need to resolve fairly urgently is the missing link in the coastal path between Connahs Quay and Flint.<\/p>\n
Currently, it runs along the A548 on one of its narrowest sections through Oakenholt and past Flint, and across the very narrow bridge.<\/p>\n
There were various proposals to resolve this issue, including the path running across parts of the area on a boardwalk, similar to what theyve got in Cheshire around Burton Marshes.<\/p>\n
Unfortunately, these were rejected at the time by the RSPB and Countryside Council Wales, who were concerned it would clip the site of special scientific interest.<\/p>\n
Plans to designate the area along the estuary as a single entity like a regional park were first drawn up in 2014 in a bid to attract visitors.<\/p>\n
The move followed the creation of the Wales Coast Path two years earlier, which the council said had led to more interest in the county from tourists.<\/p>\n
While the local authority said some progress had since been made, officials believe renewed momentum is required to push the plan forward.<\/p>\n
Cllr Roberts said improving the path between Connahs Quay and Flint could form a key part of the proposals.<\/p>\n
He said:Despite all the development thats gone on along the River Dee, the birds are still there and theyre remarkably resilient.<\/p>\n
We really do need a sensible solution with the RSPB and Natural Resources Wales to the issues between Flint and Connahs Quay.<\/p>\n
This potentially is a fantastic area and could be used for walking, cycling and recreational activities.<\/p>\n
Andrew Farrow, the councils chief officer for planning, environment and economy, said he would be happy to set up a meeting with the relevant public bodies to discuss the issue.<\/p>\n
Cabinet members also approved the submission of two multi-million-pound bids to the UK Governments Levelling Up fund at the same meeting.<\/p>\n
They said the aim of the applications was to regenerate deprived coastal communities in Flintshire.<\/p>\n
Initial proposals includemodernising the Flint Castle and Greenfield business parks, transforming Connahs Quay Dock and restoring the John Summers clocktower building in Sealand.<\/p>\n
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Calls for solution to address 'missing link' along Flintshire coastal path - The Leader<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" CALLS have been made for a solution to fix the missing link in a path which runs along the Flintshire coastline. It follows senior councillors backing proposalsto improve access and create jobs in communities along the Dee estuary by creating a coastal park Continue reading