Agenda item

(a)       That the Committee notes the findings of the Wales Coast Path Barrier Review and supports, in principle, the recommendations for improved accessibility as detailed in the report subject to consultation with, the user groups, and

(b)       That a further report on the outcome of the consultation exercise be submitted to the Committee. 

The Chief Officer (Planning, Environment and Economy), presented a report to inform on a recent review into access barriers along the Wales Coast Path (Chester to Deeside Section) and seek approval to implement the recommendations. 

The Chief Officer provided background information and reported on the key considerations and proposed recommendations as detailed in the report.  He advised that t          he Council appointed a consultant to undertake a review of the existing access control measures on a section of the Wales Coast Path (WCP) between Chester and Queensferry.  The access control barriers are in place to protect users of the WCP against the risks posed by illegal vehicle access to the path, however, the existing barriers can cause access issues to users of some mobility scooters and unconventional cycles.  The study reviews the background context, legislations, barrier dimensions and user constraints, in order to put forward recommendations for all 14 access points from Chester to Deeside. The recommendations to improve access are balanced against any impact of such amendments on illegal vehicle accessibility.

Officers responded to the comments and concerns raised by Councillor Richard Lloyd around access barriers, disabled access, mobility scooters, electric scooters, radar keys, and illegal and anti-social use.  

Councillor Glyn Banks also raised concerns about intimidating and anti-social behaviour by some users/groups in the Talacre area which spoilt enjoyment of the coastal path for others.

Councillor Mike Peers recommended that the Council engaged with the user groups referred to in the Review report.  He also asked if there was liaison with other local authorities to learn how they addressed problematic matters.  The Team Leader – Sites explained there were close links with other North Wales Authorities as part of the North Wales Coastal Path. She reported that Natural Resources Wales had overall responsibility for the Coastal Path and was  working to improve the footpath for people with mobility issues.  Natural Resources Wales was supportive of the recommendations in the Review report to improve accessibility. 

Councillor Dan Rose expressed concerns around the purpose and operation of radar keys which he said could be prohibitive for some users. He felt   that the use of A frames and  the idea of people with disabilities having to open and close a gate each time could be  problematic.  He said there  was a risk of people leaving gates open with radar keys and felt it was important to undertake a pilot to assess the implications going forward.  He suggested that  a temporary solution to problems that unexpectedly arose could be that  a gate  be temporarily closed (for example overnight). Councillor Rose asked if data could  be provided on the number of paths that didn’t allow disabled access.

The Team Leader – Sites  responded to the concerns raised by Councillor Rose on use of radar keys and said she would provide information on the number of paths that don’t allow disabled access in Flintshire.

Councillor Paul Johnson referred to the type of kissing gate used at Chatsworth House Estate in Derbyshire which might offer access to wheelchairs and mobile scooters and could be worth  consideration.

Councillor Ian Hodge asked if consideration had been given to the surface of the Path and what measures could be used to deter speed.  The Team Leader – Sites explained that in other areas which did not have mobility access, changes to the path surface had been made but had not been considered in Flintshire to date.

Councillor Richard Lloyd commented on whether consultation had taken place with Cheshire West Council.  He spoke in support of the suggestion by Councillor Mike Peers that further consultation should took place with user groups. 

Councillor Mike Peers proposed that the recommendation in the report be amended as follows:  That the Committee notes the findings of the Wales Coast Path Barrier Review and supports, in principle, the recommendations for improved accessibility, as detailed in the report, subject to consultation with the user groups, and a further report on the outcome be submitted to the Committee.  Councillor Richard Lloyd seconded the proposal and when put to the vote this was carried.

RESOLVED:

(a)       That the Committee notes the findings of the Wales Coast Path Barrier Review and supports, in principle, the recommendations for improved accessibility as detailed in the report subject to consultation with, the user groups, and

(b)       That a further report on the outcome of the consultation exercise be submitted to the Committee.