Issue - meetings

RESOLVED:

(a)       That the national and regional developments taking place be noted and the proposal to undertake a review of the Council’s own Integrated Transport Strategy to help inform the RTP development be supported; and

(b)       That the proposal to hold a members’ workshop to review the Council’s Integrated Transport Strategy later this year be agreed.                                                                                          

The Chief Officer (Streetscene and Transportation), presented the report to undertake a review of Flintshire's Integrated Transport Strategy.  She provided background information and advised that to ensure that Flintshire was best placed to feed into and shape development of the Regional Transport Plan (RTP), it was proposed that a review of the Council’s own Integrated Transport Strategy be undertaken to help determine the County’s transport priorities for the next five years.  The purpose of the report was to provide an overview of the review and an update on the current “state of play” regarding national and regional transport developments.  The Chief Officer reported on the key considerations as detailed in the report.

Councillor Bernie Attridge raised concerns around Corporate Joint Committees and commented on the proposal to hold a workshop in October.  He suggested that more urgent action was needed and that an all-Member meeting be held to feed in views on the review of Flintshire’s Integrated Transport Strategy.

Councillor Dave Hughes (Cabinet Member for Streetscene and Regional Transport Strategy) spoke in support of a proposed all Member workshop being held in October 2023 and emphasised that more detailed information would be available to share at that time.  He gave an assurance that the issue of traffic congestion in Flintshire was recognised and ongoing concerns were being raised with the Welsh Government.

Councillor Hilary McGuill commented on the impact of road repair works on tourism and the disruption to visitors travelling into Wales and asked if a moratorium  could be placed on all railway/road works during Bank Holiday weekends. 

Councillor Dennis Hutchinson raised questions around support for submitting a further bid for levelling up funding.  He also expressed concerns around the Wrexham to Bidston rail service and the alternative service which was provided.

Councillor Chris Dolphin expressed concerns around the diversions as a result of road repairs to the A55 and the damage caused to local road networks and disruption to local residents and communities in Flintshire.    

Councillor Roy Wakelam commented on the lack of public transport provision in some areas which prevented people from being able to work. Councillor Hilary McGuill suggested alternative solutions which might enable people to connect to public transport at key locations.

            The Chief Officer (Streetscene & Transportation) thanked members for their comments and confirmed that the issues raised would be welcomed at the workshop planned for later this year.

The recommendations in the report were moved by Councillor Roy Wakelam and seconded by Councillor Dan Rose.

RESOLVED:

(a)       That the national and regional developments taking place be noted and the proposal to undertake a review of the Council’s own Integrated Transport Strategy to help inform the RTP development be supported; and

(b)       That the proposal to hold a members’ workshop to review the Council’s Integrated Transport Strategy later this year be agreed.