Agenda item

Update on the Mold to Broughton Cycle Scheme and the Development of the County’s Core Cycle Network

To receive an update on progress.  (Report requested by Scrutiny)

 

Decision:

(a)       That the progress made to date on the progression of the Mold to Broughton Strategic Cycleway Scheme, including the development of the County’s  Strategic Active Travel schemes on the County’s Core Cycleway Network be noted; and

 

(b)       That the opportunity to extend the scope of the Mold to Broughton Cycleway Scheme to include Chester as the end destination be noted and the submission of the rebranded ‘Mold to Chester Strategic Cycleway Scheme’ as the Council’s Strategic Active Travel application to WG in the forthcoming financial year be supported.

Minutes:

The Transport Manager explained that the initial purpose of the report was to provide the Committee with an update on the Mold to Broughton Cycelway Scheme, however, due to the interest raised during recent Scrutiny on the Council’s wider strategic Active Travel aspirations the report was expanded to include an update on progress made in developing the County ‘core’ Cycleway Network.  He also referred to the opportunity to extend the scope of the Mold to Broughton Cycleway Scheme to include Chester as the end destination and to seek the Committee’s support for the submission to rebrand the scheme to the ‘Mold to Chester Strategic Cycleway Scheme’ as the Council’s Strategic Active Travel application to Welsh Government in the forthcoming financial year.

 

The Transport Manager provided background information and gave a brief overview of the national cycle network and an update on the Mold cycle scheme.  He explained that the development of a strategic cycle network as outlined made active travel a plausible option which enabled people to access work, leisure, and tourism, not only within County but also into England.  The Chief Officer (Streetscene and Transportation) endorsed the comments expressed by the Transport Manager concerning the opportunities to be gained through the development of a national cycle network and said it was hoped that it would become as well known and well used as the road map in Flintshire.

 

Councillor George Hardcastle raised concerns around the removal of trees on the Aston Hill area.  He also raised concerns that there were no barriers to provide protection for users on cycle-ways on Aston Hill.  The Chief Officer acknowledged the concerns raised and gave an assurance that he would be speaking directly to the Trunk Agency to ensure the same consultation process was followed as that  undertaken by the Authority.  

 

Councillor Carolyn Thomas thanked officers for their work on the transport strategy.  She concurred with the views expressed by Councillor Hardcastle on the need for the Trunk Agency to engage in full consultation.

 

Councillor Dennis Hutchinson also expressed thanks to officers for their hard work on the County Core Cycleway Network, and also commented on the support and co-operation provided by Alistair Stubbs, Headteacher,  Elfed High School,  on the local proposals for development.  Councillor Hutchinson raised concerns regarding a local highway in his Ward. The Chief Officer responded to the points made and said he would provide a more detailed response to Councillor Hutchinson following the meeting on the proposals for a link from Buckley to a dedicated cycleway on the road.

 

Councillor David Evans referred to the Mold to Deeside Industrial Park (DIP) Strategic Cycleway Link and sought clarification on how access would be gained across the Flintshire Bridge if this was the intended route.  He spoke in support of the further local proposals which were welcomed.  The Chief Officer provided an update on consultation taking place around proposals for the Sandycroft to Broughton link, and a link from Mold to Flint and Deeside Industrial Park. 

 

The recommendations were moved by Councillor Christopher Dolphin and seconded by Councillor Dennis Hutchinson

 

RESOLVED:

 

(a)       That the progress made to date on the progression of the Mold to Broughton Strategic Cycleway Scheme, including the development of the County’s  Strategic Active Travel schemes on the County’s Core Cycleway Network be noted; and

 

(b)       That the opportunity to extend the scope of the Mold to Broughton Cycleway Scheme to include Chester as the end destination be noted and the submission of the rebranded ‘Mold to Chester Strategic Cycleway Scheme’ as the Council’s Strategic Active Travel application to WG in the forthcoming financial year be supported.

Supporting documents: