Anti-social behaviour problems in Shotton could lead to master plan to regenerate town

Complaints over anti-social behaviour problems in a town in Flintshire could lead to a master plan being drawn up to regenerate the area.

Flintshire Council says it has received an increasing number of concerns about crime in Shotton.

The local authority believes that if the issues are not addressed, it could hamper the town’s future prospects.

As a result, senior councillors are now being asked to approve the creation of an action plan to improve the town centre, as well as a task force to oversee it.

In a report, Steve Jones, the council’s chief officer for streetscene and transportation, said: “Shotton is one of the largest towns in Flintshire with good local facilities and excellent transport links to the local and regional bus, rail, active travel and highway networks.

“There are also many areas within the town that have significant potential for development opportunities.

“Over the past few years, the council and local members have received a growing number of concerns and complaints about antisocial behaviour and other environmental issues which, if left unchecked, will blight the area and undermine local efforts to keep the town clean and tidy and ensure that it remains a place where people want to live, visit and work.”

He added: “In order to deal with these issues and maximise the positives and potential opportunities for the town, it is proposed that cabinet support the development of a multi-agency steering group to develop and oversee the delivery of a Shotton master plan.

“The plan will bring the right people together with the aim of regenerating and delivering the required improvements to the town centre and surrounding area to help ensure the town fulfils its true potential.”

The council has already delivered a number of investments in the area, including the creation of the Hwb Cyfle adult day centre, the brand new £11m Plas Derwen pupil referral unit, the Tŷ Calon Community Hub and the refurbishment of Queensferry Primary School.

It also has plans to redevelop Shotton railway station and Deeside Leisure Centre, which it said showed it was committed to the future of the area.

Council leader Ian Roberts said: “Shotton, as a community, has many advantages as well as issues that we need to work to address.

“We are hoping to develop a plan which can be realistic and aspirational for this key community in our county.

“In this, it will be vital that we then listen to the views of the community when drawing up the master plan.”

The proposals are set to be discussed by members of the ruling Labour administration at a meeting on Tuesday (February 16, 2021).

If approved, it is expected that the steering group will include council officials, politicians and representatives from North Wales Police.

Cllr Derek Butler, cabinet member for economic development, said: “The plan would bring the right people together with the aim of looking at ways of regenerating and delivering the required improvements to the town centre.

“This would include looking a possible funding streams to facilitate the work.”

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

Liam Randall – Local Democracy Reporter (more here).