Campaigners welcome Flintshire coastal path access 'victory'

Campaigners are set to win their bid to have a popular path fully re-opened. The stretch of the Flintshire Coastal Path was partly blocked to deter motorcyclists but enthusiasts believed it also restricted wheelchairs users.

A group called TCC (Trefnu Cymunedol Cymru/Together Creating Communities) and supporters says Flintshire County Council have agreed to remove barriers along the Flintshire Coastal Path. The barriers, originally installed to prevent motorcycle access, have restricted some others including wheelchair users, cyclists and families with prams, said TCC.

TCC is a community charity dedicated to improving the quality of life for communities and to tackle injustice in north east Wales. Through collaborative efforts and active campaigning, TCC said it strives to create inclusive and accessible environments.

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For its path campaign TCC has worked with Cycling UK, The FDF Centre for Independent Living, Sustrans Cymru, Disabled Ramblers UK, Wheels for Wellbeing, Transport for All, Chester Wheelers and Crusaders Wheelchair Rugby. It aims to ensure that there is access for all and that everyone can enjoy the scenic routes of the Wales Coastal Path.

TCC says its campaign will continue "until all barriers along the Flintshire Coastal Path are removed" and TCC and its allies are "committed to ensuring that these changes are implemented swiftly and effectively by Flintshire County Council".

Jan Thomas, Chief Officer for TheFDF Centre for Independent Living and who is a member of TCC, said: “We welcome the news that after nine years Flintshire County Council have made the decision that barriers along the Coastal Path are discriminatory and will be now 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”.

David Hughes, a Community Organiser for TCC, said: “I would really like to thank the groups who have told us about the negative effects the barriers have had on their health and wellbeing. 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”.

Paul Bevan, Local Representative for Cycling UK, said "Many people use their cycle as a mobility aid, with lots of different types of bicycles - and tricycles - which allow people independence to get around. Flintshire has more of these old barriers than any other part of the North Wales Coast which has meant people are stopped from getting to work or the shops as well as enjoying the beauty of the Dee estuary.

"This programme of removal will mean opportunities for walking, wheeling, and cycling for people of all abilities from Chester to Caernarfon as well as opening up existing routes across Burton Marsh and through the Wirral."