Concerns over traffic problems and footfall in Buckley

The Leader spoke with businesses and shoppers in Buckley town centre about their thoughts on trade, traffic and more.

Concerns included the potential impact of the town's 20mph scheme on footfall, speeding and vehicles breaking the rules concerning the centre's one-way pedestrianised area.

Sharon Beck, owner of artisan craft shop Shazs Shabby Chic, said: "It's been very quiet; the 20mph scheme has had a massive effect. People don't come to Buckley anymore.

"It's quicker and easier for them to go to Mold or Broughton.

"And people think it's safe here because it's pedestrianised - but it's not.

Bollards and one-way signage in Buckley town centre (Image: Staff)

READ MORE: Buckley Town Council aims to 'do best' for residents as precept set

"Cars and vans speed up and down here delivering; they can't come down the road because of the bollards, so they either reverse up from the bottom, or just drive up the wrong way.

"That happens three or four times a day."

Ms Beck said vans and vehicles going the wrong way through the middle of the town can pose a safety risk to shoppers, children and elderly residents who would instinctively look to the bollards for any oncoming traffic.

Martin Beck, director of Shelby's Place - which runs alongside Shazs Shabby Chic, said he hopes to develop plans for an outdoor market in the town centre, which he hopes will boost footfall.

Mr Beck said: "The town centre just isn't getting the footfall it needs."

Peter Myatt, manager at E-Cigs of Buckley, said: "People like to blame the drop in footfall on the 20mph, but I think it's because there's nothing here for anyone to come for anymore.

"I've been in the town for a number of years and it used to have everything you needed.

"Now it's got nothing; everything has slowly disappeared.

"I personally think Buckley as a town for shopping has gone. It is just going to be a commuter town."

He added issues can arise from the town's 20mph limit areas where some motorists abide by the rules, and others grow frustrated and don't, continuing: "The thing is, it's not enforced.

Maddison Chester and Martin Beck (Image: Staff)

"The vans coming up through the town centre are not being enforced either but there are clear 'no entry' signs at the bottom.

"Then when the bollards at the top of the road come down at night, people use it as a through road.

"We see motorbikes riding through the bollards and going through the town centre fast, as well as e-bikes and e-scooters."

And speed has also been presenting difficulties near Home Bargains, according to two shoppers who spoke with the Leader.

One man explained he had almost been "bonneted" by cars as he tried to cross the A549 via the small island near the Precinct Way junction.

The area in question - where pedestrians have concerns about crossing (Image: Staff)

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He said the risk arises when motorists coming along the Precinct Way are turning left onto the A549 and are able to see that there is no traffic coming from the direction of the Tivoli - pulling straight out without slowing down.

This means someone who is crossing or about to cross at the island, and has no visibility of the junction, can be faced with a car moving at speed with almost no notice.

Shopper Christine Bird, 74, agreed, explaining: "You have to be well aware of what's coming down the road there."

On the question of footfall, she said: "I have noticed it's gone very quiet in Buckley.

"It was a lot busier before."

One shopper told the Leader she disagreed that the 20mph scheme may have impacted on footfall, suggesting the town's offering may be too limited to draw in more people.

On the subject of speeding and vehicles using the one-way road wrongly, the woman said she felt the town centre was pedestrian-friendly.

Regarding speeding, Cllr Arnold Woolley, who leads Buckley Community Speedwatch Group, confirmed that throughout January - due to team availability - two roadside sessions were carried out.

These entailed a total of 11 hours of work and resulted in 12 speeders being recorded. All 12 have been reported and will receive a letter urging them to be better drivers.

A Flintshire Council spokesman said: "Flintshire County Council and Welsh Government are currently hosting several public information events for local residents in Buckley and the surrounding area.  

"These events are an opportunity for local residents to learn more about Welsh Government’s 20mph legislation and for residents to have the opportunity to provide feedback on their experience as part of the first phase settlement scheme.  

"We invite residents to attend an event to share their feedback.

"We are aware that both GoSafe and the police are supporting Welsh Government in relation to education, engagement and enforcement ahead of the national rollout of 20mph and the police have commenced public engagement and education work in the town centre as part of the first phase.

"Just as with speeding offences, instances of motorised vehicles contravening the existing One Way system through the pedestrianised area is considered a criminal offence and would be subject to enforcement action by the police.  

Buckley Town Centre (Image: Staff)

"In response to the concerns raised, the council will bring these matters to the attention of the local policing team and will investigate the wider concerns of pedestrian safety within the locality to ascertain if any further improvements can be made.

"Most small towns in the UK face a challenging economic climate and must adapt to remain sustainable. 

"The council will be consulting in Buckley on how the future of the town will be supported through a new place making plan. 

"More information, including dates for consultation events can be found on our website.

A GoSafe spokesman said: "GoSafe will be carrying out enforcement in areas where speeding is a concern. 

"Before this enforcement begins, we will firstly be working with Community Speed Watch groups, North Wales Fire and Rescue Service, and local policing teams, to provide roadside education for drivers who are exceeding the speed limit."