TRANSPORT improvements across the county are up for discussion.

Flintshire Council's environment and overview scrutiny committee will meet on Tuesday (March 13) for an update on the authority's integrated transport strategy.

A report to members reminds them that the council's cabinet approved the 'Deeside Plan' in 2016 which included details of an integrated transport solution for the area.

The transport arrangements now form a key element of the North East Wales Metro, which is being promoted by Welsh Government (WG) and this report is intended to update scrutiny on the progress of the overall

integrated transport strategy for Flintshire.

Deeside Industrial Park (DIP) is one of the largest industrial estates in Wales with approximately 400 businesses employing in the region of 9,000 people and the park has become one of the key economic driving forces within the region.

The reporter states: "The immediate area has been the subject of a number of recent studies, all of which concluded that one of the main factors limiting further growth is the poor transport links into and around the park.

"In order to provide a long term sustainable transport solution, it must successfully integrate all modes of transport and cater for the demands of each whilst maintaining and promoting at its heart, a sustainable, affordable and environmentally friendly public transport service with links to all of Flintshire and the wider region."

The main 'drivers' for change given in the report include worsening traffic congestion along the Deeside corridor and industrial park, opportunities arising from the development of the Northern Gateway scheme and anti-social behaviour from truck drivers parking at bot the industrial park and A55 corridor.

It states: "The solution must successfully integrate all modes of transport and cater for the demands of each whilst maintaining and promoting at its heart, a sustainable, affordable and environmentally friendly public transport service."

Improvements suggested include cycleway and active travel seamless links to the proposed Deeside Parkway Railway Station and Garden City Bus Hub, better journey times along the Deeside corridor and rail improvements at Shotton Station.

Members will be invited to note the work being done on the integrated transport solution and its wider links to the North Wales Metro plans.