Council leader hails plans to regenerate ‘key community’ of Shotton

Plans to regenerate a “key community” in Flintshire have been praised by a leading politician.

It follows proposals to create a master plan for Shotton being approved in a bid to tackle anti-social behaviour problems in the town.

Flintshire Council has received an increasing number of concerns about crime in the area, which officials warned could hamper its prospects if they are not addressed.

Despite the issues, council leader Ian Roberts has now said he believes the town has huge potential thanks to its existing transport links.

Speaking at a virtual meeting of the local authority’s ruling Labour cabinet yesterday (Tuesday, 16 February), he said: “I’m very much in support of the development of the Shotton master plan, which was driven by a number of issues during the summer.
“We held a meeting with local members where we discussed those issues and a number of areas that need attention will get very immediate attention.
“Shotton is a key community which is at the physical heart of the Deeside conurbation.
“It contains one of the greatest concentrations of banks in the county and it does have transport advantages of regular bus and rail services.
“It has connections with Wrexham and Liverpool, and it has a considerable amount going for it.
“As a council, we need to ensure that we progress the work in our town centres and in our communities.”

Cabinet members highlighted a number of recent investments in the area, including the creation of the Hwb Cyfle adult day centre, the brand new £11m Plas Derwen pupil referral unit and the Tŷ Calon Community Hub.
There are also plans in the pipeline to redevelop Shotton railway station and Deeside Leisure Centre.

Cllr Roberts also welcomed the backing of North Wales Police after commending a recent increase in police presence in the town.
He said: “It’s very interesting to note that the police have been very co-operative with this venture.
“I note that recently the new inspector for Flintshire has been very active in Shotton.
“It is particularly welcome that police appear to be returning to communities.”

Senior councillors supported the creation of an action plan to improve the town centre, as well as a task force to oversee it.

The completed master plan is due to be brought back to cabinet members in July for further approval.

By Liam Randall – Local Democracy Reporter