A FLINTSHIRE community now have easy access to countryside walks thanks to two new metal kissing gates that have been installed after a donation from a housing developer.

Ramblers Cymru applied for Ewloe-based Redrow’s community fund and received a £500 donation that was then passed on to Flintshire Council who organised for 2 ‘kissing gates’ to be installed in Penymynydd.

Howard White, a volunteer at the charity, was the lead in making it all happen.

He said “A new housing development is linked to Wood Lane where the gates have replaced two wooden stiles.

Now the old stiles have gone, it is now much easier for walkers to use and allows less able people and dogs to use the path too."

Ramblers Cymru is a national organisation, promoting all aspects of walking from hillwalking, field paths, long distance Trails, dog walking and walking to school or work, or around a village.

The organisation currently has 114,000 members across England, Scotland and Wales.

Its local faction is the Clwydian group, centred in Mold, with about 300 members.

Howard continues: “While we do organise group ‘led’ walks, we also campaign to remove any obstructions and improve footpaths to make them easier to walk - so individuals can enjoy their own walks whenever they want so it’s great that this particular path is now available to everyone.”

Pat Ransome, Penyffordd and Penymynydd Community Councillor, added: “We’re grateful of the support given by Redrow towards the improvements to the local footpaths.

"Penyffordd and Penymynydd Community Councillor has recently printed two circular walks for the area, one of which uses this route which leads from the clock tower in the centre of the village out to the countryside and we are keen to raise awareness of the many footpaths in the surrounding countryside.”

Caroline Thompson-Jones, area sales manager for Redrow’s Millstone View development, said: “It has been great to support this cause that will no doubt make accessibility much easier for the community.

"The voluntary fund forms part of Redrow’s commitment to creating new and thriving communities, while supporting the existing communities in the areas where we build.”