Autumn Update

Hello and welcome to my latest update! It’s been a busy few months here in Flintshire, with plenty of developments and challenges we’re working through. I’m here to share what I can about the work we’re doing and the progress we’re making. As your county councillor, I make it a priority to be well-informed, read widely, and listen carefully before speaking up on your behalf. If you have any thoughts or concerns about county matters, I’d love to hear from you. Your perspectives are crucial in shaping the work we do, and I’m committed to representing your views effectively.

School Transport

School transport has always been a critical issue in rural areas, but recent legislation has made it even more challenging for families in our community. Since the introduction of the PSVAR (Public Service Vehicle Accessibility Regulations) in 2020, families have been prohibited from purchasing concessionary seats on school buses. This has had a profound impact on the residents of our rural villages, and as a local councillor, I’ve seen how this policy has created unnecessary obstacles for many.

In my ward, the villages of Brynford, Rhes y Cae, and Moel y Crio are particularly affected. While the local school for most families is Holywell, many students attend Mold Alun. This choice often makes sense for families, but the challenge lies in the lack of accessible public transport options that accommodate school hours.

The transport difficulties our community faces are significant. There is very limited public bus service from Brynford to Holywell, and the timetable doesn’t align with school hours. Even if a student were to catch a public bus to Holywell to transfer to the 126 service to Mold, the Brynford-to-Holywell bus does not run early or late enough. For those in Rhes y Cae and Moel y Crio, the situation is even worse: the flexi bus service, which is their only public transport link, doesn’t operate during school transport times.

Because of these limitations, I have called for a review of the discretionary school transport policy. While I understand that securing changes, such as procuring PSVAR-compliant buses for our rural routes, is a significant challenge, it’s an avenue that needs exploring. The idea of making spare seats available to families who need them is a practical one, but it will require considerable support and resources to become a reality.

I know the chances of achieving this are slim, given the constraints we face. However, raising awareness of the issue and highlighting the real-life impact on families is a vital step forward. Even if immediate change isn’t guaranteed, it’s crucial that we continue advocating for our community’s needs.

I’ll be working to bring these concerns to the forefront of discussions, but I want to be realistic about the challenges ahead. If you’ve experienced similar issues or have stories to share about how this policy has affected your family, please reach out. Your voices are important, and even if change is hard to achieve, together we can keep pushing for improvements.

The National Park: Halkyn Mountain Exclusion and the Ongoing Debate

As you may be aware, the engagement phase of the consultation for the new Welsh National Park has concluded, and the final boundary proposal has excluded Halkyn Mountain. The new national park is expected to stretch only as far as the Mold-Denbigh Road, just five miles from our community. I’ve spoken to many residents about this development, and opinions are certainly mixed. Some people are disappointed by the exclusion, while others are relieved. There are valid arguments on both sides, and I’ve tried to capture the key points of our community's discussions below.

The Potential Benefits of Inclusion

Conservation Efforts:

One of the most significant advantages of being part of a national park is the increased funding and resources dedicated to environmental conservation. The national park authority would invest in preserving and enhancing our natural surroundings, something that matters deeply to us here on Halkyn Mountain.

Community Investment:

National parks often receive substantial government grants. These funds can be used for improved infrastructure, such as better transport links, visitor centres, and community initiatives. Such investments could boost local amenities and enhance our quality of life.

Enhanced Recreational Opportunities:

National park status could lead to better-maintained footpaths and the development of a long-term land management programme. We might even see the return of a dedicated ranger to care for Halkyn Mountain, ensuring its beauty and accessibility for future generations.

Property Value Increase:

Properties within national parks are often highly desirable, leading to an increase in property values. This can be great news if you’re a current homeowner, but it raises concerns for those hoping to buy in the area. Rising house prices could make it harder for the next generation to remain on Halkyn Mountain, potentially impacting community ties.

Tourism Boost:

A national park designation would likely attract more visitors, benefiting local businesses like shops, cafes, and accommodation providers. This influx could also create new job opportunities in tourism and hospitality, providing a boost to our local economy.

The Potential Drawbacks of Inclusion

Regulation on Land Use:

With the increased focus on biodiversity and environmental conservation, farmers and landowners might face stricter regulations. These could limit the ways in which they use and manage their land, potentially impacting agricultural practices or development plans.

Stricter Planning Rules:

Being part of a national park often means more stringent planning regulations, especially when it comes to the aesthetic appearance of buildings. New developments or alterations may need to meet specific guidelines to ensure they blend with the natural landscape and maintain the character of the area. However, it's worth noting that nearly all planning applications in places like Snowdonia are granted, provided they adhere to these aesthetic standards.

Potential Overcrowding:

While tourism brings economic benefits, it could also lead to more traffic, overcrowded trails, and pressure on our infrastructure. Roads and public facilities might struggle during peak tourist seasons, although the influx of visitors would generate revenue that could be reinvested into improving this infrastructure.

Cultural Impact:

An increased number of tourists might alter the character of our small villages and rural community. The local way of life, which many of us cherish, could change as our quiet mountain becomes a more bustling destination. This is a valid concern for those who value the current sense of community and the peaceful nature of Halkyn Mountain.

Have Your Say!

We are now in a 10-week public consultation period, running from 7th October to 16th December. If you feel strongly about this matter—whether for or against the inclusion of Halkyn Mountain—now is the time to make your voice heard. There is still a possibility of being included if enough public support is expressed.

There are two online public events on 12th November and 12th December, where you can learn more and share your views. To sign up, please email: designated.landscapes.programme@naturalresourceswales.gov.uk.

For more information and to read the full engagement report, please visit: Natural Resources Wales Consultation.

Whether you’re for or against the national park expansion, your input is crucial in shaping the future of our beloved Halkyn Mountain. Let’s make sure our voices are heard!

Addressing Concerns About Aura and Leisure Services in Flintshire

Recently, I’ve received emails from concerned residents regarding the future of leisure and library services in Flintshire, following the end of the Council’s contract with Aura. I’d like to provide some clarity on the situation, share the reasons behind the Council’s decisions, and reassure everyone of our commitment to maintaining these essential community services.

Firstly, I want to acknowledge the concerns you’ve raised about potential disruptions and costs. I know how vital our leisure centres and libraries are to the community, and I want to assure you that this has been a key focus throughout the Council’s decision-making process.

What Happened Between Aura and Flintshire County Council?

The contract between Aura and Flintshire County Council (FCC) was coming to an end, and new UK Subsidy Control laws, introduced post-Brexit, required the Council to renegotiate the terms to ensure compliance. Although a new funding model was agreed upon in June, the final contract needed to include legally required provisions like clawback clauses and profit limits to comply with subsidy laws. Despite significant efforts from the Council to make the terms workable for Aura, the agreement had to be offered on a “take it or leave it” basis, as is the case with grant funding agreements. Unfortunately, Aura chose not to sign by the September 16th deadline.

Setting Up the Local Authority Trading Company (LATC)

Because no agreement was reached, the Council began preparations for a Local Authority Trading Company (LATC), called Flintshire Leisure and Libraries (FLL), to take over the running of these services. The LATC will deliver the same high-quality services that the community expects, with staff transferring on their current pay and conditions, including their existing pension arrangements. This ensures continuity and protects the rights of our valued employees.

Holywell Leisure Centre: A Local Success Story

I want to reassure everyone that Holywell Leisure Centre will not be affected by these changes. It will continue to operate as it does now, providing excellent services to the community. Holywell Leisure Centre has always been independent of Aura and continues to thrive under a community-focused model. It’s run by a board of local volunteers who are dedicated to our community and have successfully adopted a business-minded approach, making the centre efficient and substantially less reliant on Council subsidies. Holywell Library, which is currently managed by Aura, will be taken over by the new LATC, Flintshire Leisure and Libraries (FLL), from 1st November. The goal is to ensure that the library remains a vital and accessible resource at the heart of the community.

Addressing Concerns About Costs and Service Quality

I understand there are concerns about the additional costs this change might incur, such as rebranding expenses and the loss of certain rate reliefs. These costs are unavoidable, but the Council is actively identifying savings to mitigate their impact. The community’s strong preference for Aura is clear, and I recognise that this transition has caused worry and disappointment.

The Council Debate and My Contribution

On 24th October, a special meeting of Flintshire County Council was held to discuss whether to reopen negotiations with Aura. The Labour group, along with some independent councillors, voted against this motion. It was not an easy decision to make. Having reviewed all the confidential reports, it was clear that the Council had made every effort to accommodate Aura’s requests within the legal framework.

During the debate, I spoke in the chamber, asking for reassurances on two crucial points. Firstly, I sought assurance that all staff transferring to FLL would be treated fairly and remain on the same pay and conditions as they had under Aura. Secondly, I pushed for a commitment that libraries, particularly in places like Holywell, would remain central to our communities and continue to provide essential services for residents.

Moving Forward Together

I know that many residents are understandably frustrated and worried about the future of these services. As your representative, I share your concerns and am committed to ensuring that our leisure and library services remain strong, accessible, and community-focused. The Council and FLL are working hard to make the transition as smooth as possible, prioritising both staff welfare and service quality.

If you have further questions or would like to discuss this matter in more detail, please feel free to get in touch. Your feedback is invaluable, and I’m here to listen and support our community.

Thank you for your understanding and continued engagement.