FISHERMEN are demanding their local dock is given much-needed cash and attention.

The Flint and Deeside Fluke Fisherman’s Association say the once popular Flint Dock has become an eyesore and should be given a revamp.

Their comments came as a three-year regeneration project to modernise Greenfield Dock was finished.

Secretary Neville Kinnair told the Leader: “Flint Dock is the most natural dock on the Dee Estuary. It is still a workable flushing lagoon and is the longest.

“The dock has been left to fall into disrepair and become an eyesore and all the boats left have been vandalised. It should get the same attention and cash spent on it that has been given to the rest of the estuary.

“Greenfield Dock has had many thousands of pounds spent on it whereas Flint has had nothing done to it.”

The group is calling for community leaders to help restore the dock to its former glory.

Neville said: “Years ago Flint Dock was very busy. It used to import potatoes from and export salt cakes to Ireland and tall sailing ships used the dock regularly.

“The people of Flint pay the same council tax as everybody else and their representatives, county councillors, AMs and MPs should make sure they get the same treatment as the rest.

“That’s what they were elected to do.”

Community leaders have reassured the fishermen that they are fighting to improve the area.

Flint Coleshill councillor Alex Aldridge said it was simply a case of finding someone to invest.

He said: “I have been working tirelessly for the last four years to improve the dock area and it’s not for the want of trying.

“I want to assure the people of Flint that the area hasn’t been neglected by Flintshire Council. These things take an extraordinary amount of time.

“I have met with council chiefs and we have had a site visit, but improving the dock comes with a price tag. We want to secure European funding and also hope that a private investor will help.”

Mike Taylor, senior countryside ranger at Flintshire Council, said: “We were able to work with local groups seeking improvements to Connah’s Quay and Greenfield Docks. Unfortunately no such group exists in Flint.

“If there were, then such a group might be able to take things forward and apply for grants with help and advice from the council.”