Accessibility to be improved along coast path in Flintshire

Work to improve the accessibility of the Wales Coast Path will begin next month, as part of an ambitious new project.

Shared Prosperity Funding from UK Government has been secured for a Flintshire Coast Park, and as part of this work, an in-depth review of accessibility has been undertaken.

Flintshire County Council recognise that there are currently several barriers in place along the Dee Estuary foreshore which restricts the enjoyment of the Wales Coast Path and consider it a priority to improve access.

Working with our partners in North Wales Police, Natural Resources Wales, Sustrans and local councillors, we will start the process of removing access barriers this year to ensure the coast is open and available to all.

Cabinet member for Economy, Environment and Climate Change, Councillor Chris Dolphin, said:

“This is a great step forwards for inclusivity. 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.”

Work to remove the barriers will begin in Saltney before Christmas and then move swiftly onto the Connah’s Quay area. The removal along the length of the entire estuary will be done in a phased approached, as agreed with the police, and will link in with the Flintshire Coast Park project.

Our vision is for an accessible coast park which celebrates the natural environment and heritage of the Welsh coast. This will be achieved through sustained investment and by working with key partners, including community leaders, businesses and public bodies who share the vision for a coast park.

Local member for Connah’s Quay, Councillor Debbie Owen, said:

“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.”