Councillors have given the go-ahead to look at a Cheshire/Flintshire access road to improve congestion.

Senior council members at a meeting of Flintshire Council's cabinet on Tuesday discussed an access road which would be essential to Flintshire’s economic growth, says Cllr Carolyn Thomas.

The cabinet member for streetscene and countryside, said: “It is believed an alternative route would widen and improve connectivity between the communities.

“Direct access from the A55 to Broughton Shopping Park is something we have wanted for a long time and we are working together on it.”

The Mersey Dee Alliance published a prospectus, ‘Unlocking our true potential’, in 2017 which highlighted the significant contribution Flintshire currently makes to the national economy.

Cllr Derek Butler, cabinet member for economic development, said an alternative release would benefit the community and his Broughton ward has been looking for a junction for some 30 years.

He added: “This alternative route would not only create release, but it would also enable us to open up developing land regionally, but especially in Flintshire.”

Leader, Cllr Aaron Shotton said it was important to take into account everyone’s opinion on the access road and then decide where it would be best routed.

Flintshire Council’s cabinet approved a joint commission to engage a specialist partner to make recommendations on the preferred routing option.

Future meetings will take place between officers of Flintshire Council, Welsh Government, Cheshire West and Chester Council, Wrexham Council and Highways England to explore potential network solutions for the wider Deeside and Chester area.