Senedd Members back Wales Coast Path accessibility campaign

TCC (Trefnu Cymunedol Cymru/Together Creating Communities), a community organising charity based in Wrexham, has been working with Cycling UK, Transport for All, The FDF Centre for Independent Living, Sustrans Cymru, Disabled Ramblers UK, Wheels for Wellbeing, and Chester Wheelers.

The issue centres of barriers along the Wales Coastal Path, managed by Flintshire Council.

These barriers prevent legitimate users, including disabled people, mobility scooters, larger cycles, and double prams, from accessing areas such as the Wales Coastal Path and National Cycle Routes.

Recently, TCC met with Members of the Senedd to discuss the collaborative campaign for the removal of barriers along the Flintshire Coastal Path, their support is welcomed.

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Sam Rowlands MS said: "I met with TCC 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 with David Hughes, community organiser for Together Creating Communities (Image: Sam Rowlands MS) For over nine years, anti-motorcycle barriers of various types have been used across some of Flintshire’s most popular recreational and active travel routes.

Llyr Gruffydd MS also highlighted the need for access to such spaces. He said: “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."

A spokeperson said: "Flintshire County Council recognises the limitations of the existing cycle barriers and are actively in the process of undertaking a detailed review, while giving careful consideration to the needs and safety of all users."