The Flintshire section of the Wales Coastal Path can be viewed across the world as part of wider investment in positioning the county as a key destination, and firmly puts the new Flintshire Coast Park on the map
Accessed via Google Street View, people can experience the routes and plan their trip as well as reminisce where they perhaps grew up or spent time walking as part of family holidays.
Alongside taking the coastal path online, funding has also allowed for “greater first impressions” thanks to new signage welcoming residents and visitors to the county and the Flintshire Coast Park.
The redesigned boundary signs feature notable aspects in the region including the lighthouse at Talacre beach, water to represent the Dee estuary and the sea, and hills depicting the many areas of outstanding natural beauty.
The investment is part of the Flintshire Connecting to Coast and Countryside project which has received £335,040 from the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, with Flintshire County Council’s planning, environment and economy teams leading on the project
Councillor Glyn Banks, cabinet member for streetscene and transportation, says how the county is viewed will have a positive impact on tourism, the local economy, and the wellbeing of existing residents.
He said: “We’re passionate about placing Flintshire as the best place to live and visit, and these activities will help us achieve that.
“Uploading our section of the Wales Coastal Path to Google Street View will aid those living in the county to explore what’s on their doorstep and plan a walk with family, friends, and pets, and it’ll be a great step forward in promoting the new Flintshire Coast Park.
“In addition, potential visitors will be able to see what the walks entail and the amazing views on offer to whet their appetite and encourage them to travel.
“First impressions are crucial, and the new signs give a sense of arrival and now represents the county with the lighthouse, water, and hills.
“The old Welcome to Flintshire signage was outdated and in a poor condition. The UKSPF has supported the re-design, which was carried out by the council’s in-house graphics team, production, and installation.”
In total, more than 35km of Wales Coastal Path has been filmed and uploaded to Google Street View, while all 16 boundary signs were replaced.
Councillor Chris Dolphin, cabinet member for economy, environment and climate, said: “The new signs look fantastic as you arrive in Flintshire and really elevate perceptions of the county as somewhere to live and visit.
“In addition, encouraging residents and tourists to explore the new Flintshire Coast Park and walk the coastal path by allowing them to see the route online and plan their trip will only boost activity levels, health and wellbeing, and tourism.
“It’s another fantastic example of the UK Government Shared Prosperity Fund enhancing the county’s offering.”
