A MAJOR plan to transform Deeside is expected to move a step closer today.

Proposals in the Connah’s Quay and Shotton Masterplan include redeveloping Connah’s Quay Civic Centre, improving pedestrian and cycle routes, upgrading Connah’s Quay Precinct and the environment around Shotton Railway Bridge.

Members of Flintshire Council’s executive committee will vote on moving the project forward, giving officers the green light to “further develop proposals” and give it priority within the council’s neighbourhood renewal programs.

Shotton councillor Ann Minshull said: “I welcome anything that brightens up the
area. Anything that encourages people to come and shop and walk around is most welcome and I look forward to some of the projects coming into place.”

The masterplan, which was developed by Urban Practitioners, includes plans to open up Shotton town centre by removing railings while work to improve Wepre Brooke and the frontage of shops near Connah’s Quay health centre could take place.

Work will also take place on the links from the town centres into adjacent residential areas.

Connah’s Quay councillor Brian Dunn said: “This can only be good for the area. We need to regenerate the High Street in particular. This could breathe new life into the town.”

But concerns have been raised about the traffic congestion through Connah’s Quay and on Shotton High Street and Chester Road West.

Plans to address the traffic are being looked at as part of an ongoing traffic study.

Cllr MInshull said: “The traffic congestion is an issue that will improve our area more than anything. The most important thing to improve the lives of the residents in Shotton is sorting the traffic out.”