Clwyd East MP, Becky Gittins, has welcomed Flintshire County Council’s decision to remove  barriers along the Wales Coast Path in Flintshire.

The decision has been made following a long-standing campaign by local accessibility groups who have argued that the use of anti-motorcycle barriers of various types have prevented legitimate users from using the Coast Path in recent years. The current barriers limit access for disabled people, mobility scooters, larger cycles, double prams and others.

During a meeting this week it was confirmed that the first barriers would be removed before Christmas, with others to follow early on in the New Year.

Becky Gittins MP said:

“People in North Wales are rightly proud of our coastline and access to the Coast Path gives them the opportunity to explore the diverse beauty and landscape of our nation.

“However, it has been clear for some time that the anti-motorcycle barriers in Flintshire have prevented legitimate users, including many disabled people, from accessing the path in the way they should be able to.

“I am therefore delighted that Flintshire County Council has listened to the voices campaigning in this area and are taking swift action to rectify the situation.

“This work has been taken forward on a truly cross-party basis and I want to pay tribute to those local groups that have worked tirelessly for this change over the last few years. I will continue to do all I can to promote the use of the Coast Path amongst both residents and tourists.”

Cllr Dave Hughes, Leader of Flintshire County Council, said:

“As Council Leader I have been listening to the views of local groups who have raised legitimate concerns over the use of these barriers. Removing them will undoubtedly improve accessibility to the Coast Path and we are acting swiftly to do so in a way which is both practical and safe.”

David Hughes, from Together Creating Communities, said:

“This decision is a victory for all those that have campaigned for accessibility on the path which stretches 25 miles from Chester to Gronant. In making the case for change we have been actively listening to people with lived experiences on the impact of barriers and we have been collaborating with Cycling UK, The FDF Centre for Independent Living, Sustrans Cymru, Disabled Ramblers UK, Wheelchair for Wellbeing and Chester Wheelers, all of which have campaigned tirelessly on the matter and are in no small part responsible for delivering this welcome change.”