The campaign to improve accessibility on the National Cycle Network and Wales Coast Path in Flintshire is a powerful example of community action in motion. David Hughes from Together Creating Communities (TCC) has contributed this guest post on their campaign.
Together Creating Communities have led the campaign to improve accessibility on Route 5. Credit: David Hughes\TCC.
Together Creating Communities (TCC) is a community organising charity that has been empowering people across northeast Wales for 30 years.
By bringing together diverse groups of people around shared goals, TCC helps communities amplify their voices, influence policy, and drive social change.
Building a community campaign from the ground up
The campaign to remove barriers from the Flintshire Coastal Path began with The FDF Centre for Independent Living, a TCC member group advocating for the removal of A-frame and RADAR key barriers along the route.
These barriers prevented access for wheelchair users, people with mobility aids, and families with double prams.
Despite reports from Flintshire County Council and Walk Wheel Cycle Trust Cymru confirming that the barriers breached the Equality Act (2010), no changes were made.
In June 2024, The FDF Centre brought the issue to TCC’s attention and with support from three other member groups, the campaign was presented.
TCC's campaign video, calling for improvements to access along the Flintshire coast.
Getting to work to bring about real change
Community organisers conducted extensive research, drawing on legislation and policy documents including the Equality Act (2010), Welsh Government’s Action on Disability framework, and the Wellbeing of Future Generations (Wales) Act.
The findings revealed that the barrier policy contradicted multiple equality and wellbeing objectives at both local and national levels.
TCC then began building a broad-based coalition of allies.
Local groups such as North Wales Crusaders Wheelchair Rugby League, Chester Wheelers, and individuals with lived experience joined up with national organisations including Cycling UK, Walk Wheel Cycle Trust Cymru, Wheels for Wellbeing, Disabled Ramblers UK, and Transport for All.
Cycling UK, through its dedicated volunteer representative, played an instrumental role in shaping the campaign’s strategy and outreach.
Walk Wheel Cycle Trust Cymru provided expert support through their Network Development Manager, who actively participated in meetings and helped engage political stakeholders.
The campaign was a success because of its ability to draw support from the public and those in power.
Visibility and support across the public and politics
The campaign group held its first meeting in July 2024, establishing its aims and identifying key stakeholders within Flintshire Council.
Letters were sent to the Chief Executive, Chief Officer of Democratic Services, and the Council Leader, co-signed by TCC and its 40 member groups.
Copies were also sent to all 67 Councillors, six Members of the Senedd, and two Members of Parliament.
Planned action and sustained pressure from the campaign group prompted Flintshire County Council to issue a public press release announcing that the barriers would be removed.
Following this announcement, the campaign group met with the new Leader of Flintshire Council on two occasions.
During these meetings, the Leader reiterated the Council’s commitment to removing the barriers and provided a rough timeline for the process.
Work began on dismantling the A-frame barriers along the 20-mile path, marking a significant victory for accessibility and inclusion.
In addition to engaging with the Council, members of the campaign group also met with five Members of the Senedd and two Members of Parliament.
These elected representatives responded positively, attending meetings both online and in person on the Wales Coast Path.
They expressed strong support for the campaign and wrote to Flintshire County Council, urging action.
Their involvement helped elevate the campaign’s visibility and added political weight to the call for change.
Social media and storytelling played a vital role.
With permission, TCC shared powerful personal narratives from individuals affected by the barriers.
Videos and written stories highlighted the emotional and practical impact of exclusion, resonating widely and building public support.
These stories humanised the issue and added urgency to the campaign.
Members of the Senedd also promoted meetings with the campaign group on their social media.
Setting an example for the power of community organising
The Flintshire Coastal Path campaign demonstrates the power of community organising and lived experience.
Through research, coalition-building and public engagement, TCC and its partners achieved meaningful change.
The campaign not only improved physical access but also strengthened community bonds and set a precedent for inclusive policymaking in Wales.
Importantly, Flintshire County Council is now engaging further with the campaign group, to ensure that any barriers comply with Active Travel Act guidelines.
The group has been assured that this is not a tick-box exercise, but a genuine effort to make improvements that will have a meaningful impact on people’s lives.
This continued collaboration reflects a shift toward more inclusive governance and a commitment to listening to those most affected by policy decisions.
Feedback from campaign members underscored TCC’s role in coordinating efforts, improving communication and holding decision-makers accountable.
One member noted that TCC’s involvement transformed the campaign from a long-standing struggle into a united, focused movement.
