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Barriers removed from coastal park over access concerns

Alec Doyle
Local Democracy Reporting Service
Sustrans/Debor A wooden fence with two A-frame metal barriers in the middle leaning towards each other, creating a narrow space to get through to the other side. Beyond the fence is the brick arch of a bridge. In front of the A-frame is an all terrain, three-wheel wheelchair - the space between the barriers is too narrow for it to get through. Sustrans/Debor
Multiple groups called for the park to fall in line with disability access legislation
Miriam Hide
BBC News

Barriers designed to prevent motorcyclists from accessing Flintshire Coast Park have been removed as part of a new five-year management plan.

Disability campaigners had said the A-frame barriers at the banks of the River Dee, originally installed to deter anti-social behaviour and protect the environment, had also restricted access for disabled visitors.

Flintshire council is now urging members of the public to report any incidents of nuisance motorcyclists amid concerns the removal could lead to an increase in dangerous behaviour.

The changes come after multiple groups called for the park to fall in line with disability access legislation.

The council has now removed all A-frame barriers in Connah's Quay and the Deeside area and will work in consultation with other landowners along the coast park and North Wales Police to remove more during 2025 and 2026.

Following the removal of the barriers, Sealand councillor Christine Jones called on police to crack down on vandalism at the park – and for visitors to be their eyes and ears.

"We welcome the removal of the A-frame barriers to improve access but please beware it is being abused by motorcyclists going along the cycle paths," she said.

"It is a dangerous practice if someone is walking the dog, cycling or jogging and a motorcycle comes up behind you."

She added: "It can be extremely frightening."

Popular with walkers, cyclists and bird-watchers, the park stretches for 25 miles along the shore of the Dee Estuary, from the Welsh and English border to the Irish Sea.

The park's new management plan sets out target areas for improvement and outlines how the park will provide residents and visitors with an improved experience.

This includes a phased approach to raising the profile of the area, enhancing tourism and helping communities and businesses to work sustainably and creatively to improve environmental, economic and social outcomes.

The plans detail a site-specific proposal for eight "hubs" along the path with Flint Foreshore to become the central hub and focal point for visitors to explore the park with a proposed new heritage building.

There are also aims to improve protections for natterjack toad populations in Talacre.

Getty Images An aerial view of Talacre Beach and the Dee Estuary. There are bands of sand and water in channels running parallel to each other with the estuary beyond. In the horizon the other side of the estuary can just be seen, with a wide blue sky above. Getty Images
Councillor Chris Dolphin says it is important the natural environment at the Dee Estuary is celebrated under the new plans

Councillor Chris Dolphin, cabinet member for economy, environment and climate, said: "Our ambition is a Flintshire Coast Park for the benefit of all, celebrating the rich natural habitat of the Dee Estuary and Flintshire coastline.

"The rich Dee Estuary landscape is precious with sensitive habitats, home to a wealth of species. It is important that the natural environment is celebrated, enhanced and protected for future generations."