Flintshire road scheme revival shocks wildlife campaigners
The 112 page consultation document by Ambition North Wales considers various forms of transport, including rail, road, bus, walking and cycling.It highlights the A494/A55 Flintshire corridor as one of its "priority routes" and includes the previously identified "red route" as one of the schemes for a rethink.But the suggestion the road could once again be considered has "shocked" campaigners who are concerned about the potential effects on wildlife habitats.
The North Wales Wildlife Trust said that the original proposal for the road had been deemed "unsustainable, unjustifiable, and damaging" by the Welsh Government's Roads Review Panel and that it was "disappointed" to see it reappear in the new draft plan.A spokesperson said: "This 13km highway project...would destroy ancient woodlands, wildflower meadows and centuries-old hedgerows, while endangering species such as otters, bats, barn owls, and badgers. These irreplaceable wildlife habitats must be protected."It is now urging people to get behind their campaign to tell Ambition North Wales that the red route is "still the wrong choice".
In the consultation document, Ambition North Wales says the aim is to "provide residents and visitors with more travel choices and better digital connectivity, while also reducing our environmental impact."It is also proposing the case for a third Menai crossing between Anglesey and the mainland should be progressed, an idea that was also shelved two years ago, as well as improvements to the A483 in Wrexham. The draft North Wales Regional Transport Plan is open for consultation until 14 April.
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