Petition launched as residents demand urgent action over safety risks at Oakenholt estate

A new petition has been launched calling on Flintshire County Council and Anwyl Homes to create additional access roads to The Oaks Estate in Oakenholt, citing safety concerns and traffic congestion.

The petition has gathered over 100 signatures within 24 hours, highlighting the strength of local support for improved infrastructure.

The 500-home estate, now 99% complete, currently has just one entry and exit point.

Residents warn that the limited access poses significant safety risks, with emergency response vehicles facing “severe delays to fires and critical care patients” at times of heavy congestion.

The petition, started by local resident Kevin Bithell, highlights the urgent need for action.

“Today, despite 99% completion of the estate and over 500 homes, there is only one way in – one way out. Not only is this immensely inconvenient, but it is also a sizable risk,” writes Kevin.

He adds: “The accessibility and safety issues this creates are significant and immediate. As a result of this limited access, emergency response vehicles have been severely delayed to fires and critical care patients, risking lives in our community. This high traffic volume presents a serious safety risk to our children enjoying the park and all residents walking or driving within the estate.”

Impact on Residents

Jessica Noble, a carer and supporter of the petition, shared her experience: “As a carer who has service users within the area, their call times were often affected due to the amount of time it took us to arrive to their home due to access!”

Residents have described their daily frustration and concerns over safety in a growing community that was promised comfort and convenience but now faces risks due to inadequate road planning.

Kevin’s petition continues: “Imagine our bustling estate, filled with over 500 homes, but traffic so dense it resembles a main high street – not for community enjoyment but as a necessity due to inadequate access options. Safety and accessibility must be prioritised above all else.”

Call for Action

The petition urges Flintshire County Council to collaborate with Anwyl Homes to address the issue before further complications arise. “This situation is unacceptable and cannot continue,” reads the petition. “Please support us in this vital cause.”

The single access road has also raised concerns about increased traffic congestion, posing additional risks to pedestrians and children playing in the estate’s park.

A spokesperson for Anwyl Homes said: “Our Croes Atti development has planning consent for three access points.

“However, due to remedial work that is required ahead of the roads being adopted by Flintshire County Council, only one of these is fully open.

“We apologise to residents for the inconvenience this has caused and appreciate the need for a second access point for emergency vehicles. We have therefore installed demountable bollards on Prince of Wales Avenue for use in emergencies.

 “We are underway with a programme of remedial work, which does require further road closures for traffic management on parts of the estate. We are keeping residents who are directly affected by this informed and providing alternative access points at each stage of work.”

The petition can be found here: Change.org/OaksEstate

Flintshire County Council has been approached for comment.