Issue - meetings

As detailed in the recommendation.

Councillor Healey introduced the report and explained that the Council had appointed a consultant to undertake a review of the existing access control measures in place on a section of the Wales Coast Path (WCP) between Chester and Queensferry.

The access control barriers were in place to protect users of the WCP against the risks posed by illegal vehicle access to the path, however, the existing barriers could cause access issues to users of some mobility scooters & unconventional cycles.

The study reviewed the background context, legislations, barrier dimensions and user constraints in order to put forward recommendations for all 14 access points

from Chester to Deeside. Recommendations to improve access were balanced against any impact of such amendments on illegal vehicle accessibility.

            There were two main proposed recommendations:

• A frame - upgrade this barrier to a Radar Lock Gated A Frame Barrier.

This would offer a cost-effective solution with the potential for improved

accessibility by legitimate users holding a radar key (which were readily

available online) whilst still maintaining an effective deterrent to illegal

vehicle ingress.

• Chicane - It was recommended that the existing chicane barriers be

replaced by a staggered gates solution. This would retain the existing level

of permeability for legitimate users (which could be enhanced should the

gates be fitted with radar locks which could be opened as required), and

would retain the existing level of deterrent to illegal vehicle access.

On 11th July the Environment and Economy Overview and Scrutiny Committee and Flintshire’s Local Access Forum (LAF) both supported the work to provide improved access to the WCP and recommended that further consultation with specific user groups would be advantageous. It was proposed that as a design was drawn up at each specific access point, then the plan would be shared and feedback invited from the North Wales Police Design-out Crime Officer, cycling and disability groups. Implementation would then follow.

The Chief Officer (Planning, Environment and Economy) explained that grant funding would be accessed to implement the solutions.

RESOLVED:

That the findings of the review be noted and the recommendations for improved accessibility be supported.