Removal of Barriers Along the Flintshire Coastal Path
CAMPAIGN
UPDATE
Flintshire Coastal Path ‘Access for All’ Campaign Achieves Major Milestone
Following a successful campaign, TCC (Trefnu Cymunedol Cymru/Together Creating Communities) and its allies warmly welcomes the news that Flintshire County Council have agreed to remove barriers along the Flintshire Coastal Path. The barriers, originally installed to prevent motorcycle access, have restricted legitimate users, including wheelchair users, cyclists, and families with prams.
TCC is a community organising charity based that is dedicated to tackling social injustice and improving the quality of life for communities in North East Wales. Through collaborative efforts and active campaigning, TCC strives to create inclusive and accessible environments for all.
The campaign has been a collaboration with various organisations, including; TCC, Cycling UK, TheFDF Centre for Independent Living, Sustrans Cymru, Disabled Ramblers UK, Wheels for Wellbeing, Transport for All, North Wales Crusaders Wheelchair RL and Disability Sports Club, and Chester Wheelers - it aims to ensure that there is access for all and that everyone can enjoy the scenic routes of the Wales Coastal Path.
Working closely with Members of the Senedd, local councillors and residents from the communities impacted by these barriers, the campaign has shone a light on the impact that they have on peoples’ daily lives across the county. The campaign will continue until all barriers along the Flintshire Coastal Path are removed and TCC and its allies are committed to ensuring that these changes are implemented swiftly and effectively by Flintshire County Council.
Jan Thomas Chief Officer for TheFDF Centre for Independent Living and who is a member of TCC said “We welcome the news that after 9 years Flintshire County Council have made the decision that barriers along the Coastal Path are discriminatory and will be now removing them. I would like to thank TCC for leading on this campaign and bringing together a wide variety of groups and supporters to be involved to gain more independence for disabled people”.
David Hughes a Community Organiser for TCC said that “I would really like to thank the groups and those with lived experiences who have told us about the negative effects the barriers have had on their health and wellbeing. Community Organising is a powerful tool for creating positive change and this campaign has been an example of such collective power and action. This collaborative approach not only strengthens our communities but also fosters a sense of belonging and empowerment”.
Paul Bevan, Local Representative for Cycling UK said "Many people use their cycle as a mobility aid, with lots of different types of bicycles - and tricycles - which allow people independence to get around. Flintshire has more of these old barriers than any other part of the North Wales Coast which has meant people are stopped from getting to work or the shops as well as enjoying the beauty of the Dee estuary. This programme of removal will mean opportunities for walking, wheeling, and cycling for people of all abilities from Chester to Caernarfon as well as opening up existing routes across Burton Marsh and through the Wirral."
CAMPAIGN OUTLINE
Anti-motorcycle barriers of various types have been used across some of Flintshire’s most popular recreational and active travel routes for over 9 years. These barriers prevent legitimate users from accessing areas including the Wales Coast Path and National Cycle Routes.
Throughout that period, disabled people and others across Flintshire have sought to work with the council to remove these access barriers and allow everyone to travel these important routes. However, despite extended efforts, there has been no progress or recognition of the extent of the problem.
Enough reviews have been done.
"These walking paths would be ideal for me to be able to have a safe journey out, take my dog like everybody else does, and enjoy time in the countryside, for my own health and well-being"
― Eileen Morgan.
The current barriers are greatly limiting access for disabled people, mobility scooters, larger cycles, double prams, and other users
A wheelchair user can't open a large heavy RADAR lock and chain and lift a spring catch to then drag open a 12-foot iron gate. It is then expected that the person could reverse the wheelchair or mobility scooter with one hand while trying to use the other hand to reach out and close the gate and replace the chain and lock.
RADAR keys on gates present significant issues as the rider cannot get off the mobility scooter to reach the lock and also may not be able to reach the lock due to poor balance and lack of core strength. In short, they are not fit for purpose.
Recently, TCC met with Sam Rowlands MS to discuss our collaborative campaign for the removal of barriers along the Flintshire Coastal Path. It was great to meet with Sam, who said:
"I met with TCC (Together Creating Communities) to hear about their work tackling social injustice in the North East Wales area. Specifically their campaign in calling for the immediate removal of all discriminatory barriers along the Flintshire Coastal Path and providing access for all.
I am pleased to support TCC and their allies in their campaign, and I will be contacting the local authority and liaising with the local Senedd Member to ensure that disabled and non-disabled people can use the coastal path for their pleasure, health and wellbeing without prejudice”
Sam Rowlands MS
TCC had the pleasure of speaking with Vicki Roskams, and Llyr Gruffydd MS on this important issue. Llyr stated:
“I met with TCC (Together Creating Communities), to hear about their work tackling social injustice in the North East Wales area, and their campaign in calling for the immediate removal of all discriminatory barriers along the Flintshire Coastal Path and in doing so provide access for all. Meeting with TCC, Sustrans Cymru, as well as community members along the coastal path, I was able to see the impact the barriers have on people’s lives. I am pleased to support TCC and their allies in their campaign, and I will be contacting the local authority and bringing this issue to the Senedd to ensure that disabled and non-disabled people can use the coastal path for their pleasure, health, and wellbeing without prejudice”
If you would like to know more, watch the campaign video above or click here - and contact David Hughes - david@tcc-wales.org.uk