Issue - meetings

(a)       That the hierarchy of transport strategy within Wales and the relationship between national and local policy which help identify the direct interventions needed to deliver key transport improvements be noted; and

(b)       That the Council’s progress on the key interventions defined within the current North Wales Joint Local Transport Plan (NWJLTP) be noted.

The Chief Officer (Streetscene & Transportation) presented a report to update the Committee on the work being carried out to develop the Flintshire Integrated Transport Strategy, last presented to Cabinet in 2018.

The Chief Officer and Highway Strategy Manager gave a joint presentation, which covered the following areas:-

·         Transport Hierarchy in Wales;

·         Aims and Objectives

·         A Fully Integrated Solution;

·         Flintshire’s Key Priorities; and

·         The Key to Success

Councillor Paul Shotton thanked officers for their work in producing the Integrated Transport Strategy, a comment which was supported by a number of Members of the Committee.  He detailed the initiatives introduced in Connah’s Quay, including the installation of a pedestrian crossing on Mold Road and the improvements to the Deeside Shuttle Service, which were welcomed.  He sought assurance around the frequency and security of the bus network going forward to enable people to continue to access employment at the Deeside Industrial Park.

In response to his question, Councillor Dave Wisinger welcomed the information provided by the Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member on the introduction of a cycle path from Mold to Airbus which would link to the Deeside Industrial Park and take in Queensferry and Sandycroft.

Councillor Chris Dolphin welcomed the work being carried out to provide bus services to rural areas.  He raised concerns around Transport for Wales reducing rail times and the frequency of service in North Wales but welcomed the comments from the Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member that feedback and representations on these concerns had been made by the Council.  He also welcomed the proposed safety measures for the Well Hill, Holywell.  In response to his request on the updating of bus timetables at bus stations across Flintshire, the Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member gave an assurance that this was in the process of being updated.

Councillor David Evans asked for clarification on the exact location for people to access the Deeside Shuttle Service.  The Chief Officer explained that work was progressing to enable the pick-up/drop off point for the Deeside Shuttle Service to be at the TATA Steel Road. 

Councillor Owen Thomas said he would have liked to see reference to the electrification of the railway line included within the Strategy and also commented on the regular diversions put in place due to incidents along the A55 which he felt had an adverse impact on the County’s network.  The Chief Officer reported that the Welsh Government were currently looking at pinch points following diversions from the A55 but assured Members that the Council did seek additional funding for improvement works as a result of additional use of the County’s network.

Councillor George Hardcastle raised concerns around the proposals to introduce a cycle route along Aston Hill and the lack of consultation that had been carried out with Local Members.  He had safety concerns if the cycle route did not include safety barriers.  The Chief Officer agreed to pick this up with Councillor Hardcastle following the meeting.

Councillor Mike Peers commented on the aims and objectives of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 63