Removal of Barriers Along the Flintshire Coastal Path
We urgently call for the removal of all barriers along the Wales Coastal Path that are managed by Flintshire Council, allowing access for all.
We are collaborating with Cycling UK, TheFDF Centre for Independent Living, Sustrans Cymru, Disabled Ramblers UK, Wheels for Wellbeing, Transport for All, and Chester Wheelers in this campaign - actively listening to people with lived experiences on the impact of barriers on the coastal path within Flintshire.
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
If you would like to know more, watch the campaign video above or click here - and contact David Hughes - david@tcc-wales.org.uk