Anger over sudden Deeside cycle route shutdown

Cyclists and pedestrians in Deeside were left surprised and angry on Tuesday when a significant part of a popular cycle route that runs alongside the River Dee was suddenly closed.

The route between Hawarden Bridge and the Jubilee (blue) Bridge in Queensferry, part of National Cycle Network Route 568, was blocked off by six-foot-high barriers without any prior warning.

The closure was announced via a sign which cited the ‘Notice of Extension of Temporary Prohibition of Pedestrian Order Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984’.

It stated that Flintshire County Council ordered the temporary closure on 5 December 2022, for a period of six months. However, the Welsh Government has since approved an extension until 4 December 2023, or when works are completed.

The closure is due to civil engineering works by D Morgan Plc, which includes the installation of a new outfall pipe into the River Dee.

No alternative route has been suggested or provided for the public, leading to rising frustrations.

The route is used by families, experienced cyclists, and people commuting through the Deeside Industrial Park for work.

This unexpected closure, without notice or an alternative route, has caused significant inconvenience for regular users.

Paul Morris shared a photograph of the closure on Tuesday. He voiced his frustration on Twitter, expressing disbelief over the decision to close the path during summer.

Paul said: “Just been down the river in Shotton to see they’ve completely shut the cycle path along the river from the railway to the blue bridge!!! Where’s the notice and for 6 months through the summer it’s an absolute joke!!”

He added: “The works aren’t till halfway up, so it should still be open for people to walk past the Clocktower at least. To lock the whole thing off is madness..”

Other users echoed his concerns, highlighting the lack of a diversion and the suddenness of the closure.

The route is popular among cyclists and walkers alike and is used by those going to and from work.

On Twitter, @Dryon noted the difficulty he faced when trying to get home from work due to the unavailability of an alternative route.

Andrew, another user, expressed his disappointment and disbelief about the closure of what he described as a ‘hugely popular route’.

The lack of a clearly marked alternative route has caused confusion and inconvenience for those who rely on the route for daily commutes or regular exercise.

One comment stated, “No diversion shown, only way is through Shotton or back through Garden City to Dragon Bridge, can’t even get down old steel works road as it’s fenced off.”

The reasons why there was no warning of the abrupt closure are yet to be fully clarified. Deeside.com has contacted Flintshire County Council and Sustrans, the charity that looks after the cycle route.

[Photographs: Paul Morris]