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Tommy Hughes - Newquay, Cornwall
Re -'Peter from Flint' your comment regarding the flats. They were completed in 1968. The first tenants moving in 1967/68. I remember the landlord of the Ship Hotel, Jack Parkinson, taking a Firkin of beer up to the top of Richard Heights on the completion of the build. There were no lifts at that stage, and it had to be carried up (as I remember 26 flights of stairs!).
Mon Jun 22 08:57:58 2009

E off Flint
I was walking through the leas maisonettes just behind the library. I got soaked with water bombs by teenagers in one of the flats above. As I turned around to tell them just what I thought of them I could not believe my eyes to see that they had just water bombed an old lady getting out of an ambulance. The driver was gobsmacked and furious. I immediately went to the police station to report it and was told the police were on there way there as they had done the same to another person walking through. What a kick they got out of watching an old lady squirm and try to get away. Disgusting isn't the word for them. Respect is a great big word and someone should teach them what it means. I'm ashamed to say I live in this town.
Fri Jun 12 09:54:36 2009

Sue, Flint
Chris - I live near to a school and I have lost count of the number of times I have phoned the police to report vandalism etc. - it has sickened me to hear the smashing of glass and the kicking in of doors. The police have always been marvellous - they have responded immediately without exception - I have a great respect for them. What happens when they get here - the offenders scatter and none get caught - I can't identify them because they do it at night and that's it they get away with it. Well the school have installed CCTV and to my knowledge they have not had any further incidents which brings me to Mickey Dint's comments - if they are caught red handed and there are sufficient laws in place we should see fewer and fewer of these incidents. I am not backtracking I am speaking honestly in response to your comments.
Wed Apr 29 08:26:24 2009

Micky Dint
From the Chronicle. The entire county is to become an alcohol-controlled zone by the start of the summer. Police will be given powers to seize drink from anyone seen boozing and causing a problem in public. Police will approach people drinking in public only if they are behaving anti-socially, look as if there is potential for anti-social behaviour, or if a member of the public has made a complaint. Police can issue on-the-spot fines if people refuse to stop drinking and also have the power to mount a prosecution. Those convicted can face a fine of up to £500. Looks like the councillors have already made a stand on this behaviour and we should follow Chris off Flint's advice to call the Police if we see something untoward.
Mon Apr 27 08:46:38 2009

Chris Off Flint
RE Sue & Jaro, My issue was not with the posting of information on here; my issue was with the lack of priority from Alien who conveniently only mentioned that the police were called when I questioned his/her/its precedence of thought and before turning my comments into an argument about posting on this site to detract from the real concern. This forum is an ok means of raising awareness in the hope that people MAY read this site. I do not have confidence that this action ALONE will keep me and my family safe. I doubt criminals will be dissuaded from breaking the law simply because they may get a mention on this site; they will only be dissuaded by citizens taking a hard line stance on their activities by calling the police. My message is (and has always been) post on here till your hearts content, but please back it up with meaningful action such as notifying the police each and every time.
Mon Apr 27 08:45:58 2009

Sue, Flint
Chris - you are missing my point - I saw the recent comments as a warning of what is going on in these places. We are in dire straits because this sort of behaviour is going on all over the place. Some people would go to the police and some wouldn't - it's as simple as that but I can't see what harm it does to report it on a website.
Fri Apr 24 08:33:38 2009

Jaro
Hear, hear to Alien and Sue. It seems that for some strange reason Chris has read your comments in a completely different language to what I have read them. From what I have read on all accounts has been misinterpreted by Chris, or am I missing something! I think this forum is a great idea to express views and read others' opinions, it may do no good long term, but at least this forum allows freedom of speech, whether we agree with another's opinions or not. I no longer live in Flint but I regularly check this site to see what topical debates are being discussed just as a matter of interest.
Fri Apr 24 08:27:14 2009

Harry Pie,Flint
Anti social behaviour is a bit of grey area for the police. It's simple enough for them when underage drinkers are involved or where certain areas have a drinks ban such as outside in Chester. An offence is being committed in either of these incidents. If however people are not minors and there are no local bylaws, however threatening they may appear they are not breaking the law and all the police are empowered to do is ask them to go home. Incidentally, last summer I saw an older police officer take two bottles of cider from two teenage girls who were definitely worse for wear. They gave him a mouthful of cheek but to his credit he let it go over his head and poured the drink down the grid before entering a local shop to find out who sold it to them. Fair play to him. I say that's commonsense policing and at least a start to tackling the problem.
Fri Apr 24 08:23:17 2009

Alien, Flint
Chris - I did phone the police! Yes, we will be in dire straits if we stop caring about the community we live in. That's why we contribute to sites like this so that, as caring residents, we can at least share our concerns and celebrate the good things that go on.
Thu Apr 23 10:28:28 2009

Chris off Flint
Come off it Sue, are you really telling me that if you see someone breaking the law you would tell this forum before calling the police? We really are in dire straits as a town and as a community aren't we!
Wed Apr 22 13:11:32 2009

Sue, Flint
As a local resident I was very interested to read Smithy and Alien's comments. I walk regularly on the shore line and Pen Coch field (see my posting on Castle Street, Flint 2nd April) and what we are looking at here is anti-social behaviour which I'm sure no-one would disagree with. I'm sorry Chris but I have to disagree with you - I know this is a forum for debate but if the BBC site only reaches one person it has done its job in my opinion.
Wed Apr 22 07:48:14 2009

Chris off Flint
Alien, I have read over your post again and the one glaring omission still remains, the one where you should have immediately contacted the police to report the lewd behaviour which could easily have been seen by my, or anyone else's, kids. I have no objection to you raising issues with the councillors but don't you think that they look at the crime figures for the region from time to time? These figures give a true reflection of what is happening on our streets and only become distorted if crimes are not reported immediately by the public for one reason or another. Why leave it to chance that a councillor may stumble across these pages? The best action we can take as law abiding citizens is to report all criminal activity immediately before it becomes the norm. Speaking to councillors will not repel this behaviour, these people need policing not counselling! That may not be classed as democracy, but it can be classed as common sense.
Tue Apr 21 11:36:56 2009

Alien, Flint
Chris - read my comments again! I am not having a pop at the councillors. The coucillors I spoke to asked me to contact them if a similar situation arose and yes I did speak to my local community policeman too. The idea of using a chat site like this is that people can discuss issues and hopefully raise awareness of what is going on, both good and bad, in their community and then if enough people feel sufficiently strongly about a subject they can make a stand. Councillors also need to know what is going on so that they may be able to help the community they represent. It's called democracy!
Fri Apr 17 10:35:45 2009

Chris off Flint
Alien, give the councillors a break! I don't think they are answerable to loutish behaviour by foreigners or locals or whoever, what you saw should have been brought to the attention of the police immediately. The idiots that try and ruin this town get away with it because people like you do not make a stand against this type of conduct, I don't expect anyone to tackle the louts, but surely the thought process after seeing this type of behaviour is to get the police involved, not to write to the BBC!
Thu Apr 16 09:41:47 2009

Alien, Flint
Yes Smithy, unfortunately you have come across a problem all too prevalent in Flint. I too had the unpleasant experience of witnessing these groups of drinkers in Pen Coch field in broad daylight. Not only were they drinking and discarding bottles and cans but were urinating where they stood without a thought that there were people about. I cannot say whether they were foreign or not but I did raise the matter with my local councillors who promised that if I witnessed a similar situation that they would do something about it. I suggest that you contact the councillor for that area. If enough people make a stand then the problem! cannot be ignored. Perhaps a word with the community police might help. Hope some of our councillors are reading this.
Wed Apr 15 09:47:23 2009

Carol, Flint
Hi, this may seem mad but I just thought I'd ask if anyone has ever seen a ghost inside Flint Clinic? A few days ago me and a friend were walking past there at about 10 o clock at night when it was dark and obviously the clinic was closed and all the lights were out. Just at a slight glance I could see a figure of an old woman sat by the window in what seemed to look like a Victorian maid's outfit, she appeared to have a serving trolley in her possesion which she was sat on the window ledge with her feet rested upon. My friend thought I was talking rubbish when I first said I thought there was a ghost in there but she turned and looked and she could see the same as me. We sat and stared at her for a while just to make sure we had seen right and we are absolutely convinced it was a ghost (definitely wasn't a person as she was white and ghostly but as there was no light she stood out). She kept moving from window to window every so often and we believe at one point she smiled and waved at us. Just wondered if anyone else had ever come across such a sighting? And if not I would ask you to go and look and see if you can see anything. Does anyone know anything about the history of that area (i.e. what used to be there which could have any links to this?) Bear in mind that I'm not usually a believer in ghosts and have never seen one before this incident.
Tue Apr 14 11:23:09 2009

Smithy
The wife and I went down for a walk to the woods by the castle on Tuesday, there were four men standing on the path just as you walk on the first stretch adjacent to the castle. They were sharing a bottle of cheap wine between them and it was apparent that they were the worse for wear. It was only 2 o'clock in the afternoon. As we approached them they started bowing and speaking in what seemed to be possibly Polish or a kind of eastern European language. We passed them without any problem but the wife remarked that she would have felt very uncomfortable in the situation if she had been on her own as she does walk down there sometimes. The question is, haven't we got enough of our own drunks in Flint without importing them from Eastern Europe! No seriously the police should start taking a walk in that area as it is apparent that a lot of drinking is going on in the area from the amount of rough cider plastic bottles that are strewn everywhere. They need to put a stop to it before an incident happens down there.
Tue Apr 14 10:56:22 2009

Mickydint
www.fflint.co.uk is a fantastic site and provides the following information: 1969 - the National Eisteddfod was held in Flint. Pumphrey's Store was demolished to make way for the dual carriageway on Holywell Street. Bolingbroke and Richard Heights, high rise flats were opened. The old Drill Hall on the outer bailey of the castle was demolished.
1976 - Cenotaph and War Memorials were moved from Trelawny Square to Chapel Street.
The most fascinating information on there is that in 1900 there were 35 fully licensed Public Houses and off licensed premises plus 15 people selling booze from their own homes. Now that's what I call a night out!
Wed Apr 8 10:39:52 2009

Peter from Flint
How is your memory? Can anyone remember when Castle Heights was opened? 'It's Me' says she's lived there 30 years and downstairs there is a plaque commemorating the end of Flint's building scheme with the demise of Flint Borough in 1974 but was that when it was built? And how about when the Cenotaph moved from Trelawny Square? Hope someone can help.
Tue Apr 7 10:13:42 2009

E.T, OFF FLINT
Well, how would you like this said to you? I live in the maisionettes. I was walking toward my stairwell and a car slowed down and, in a Scouse acsent, 'hey love, do you live there?' (Yes, I replied) he laughed and replied, 'well, I'm not being funny queen, but I've lived in better prisons!' I was dumb struck but I knew what he meant! How embarrassing to realise how people from other parts of the country see our homes. Pity FCC didn't see it!
Fri Apr 3 08:36:27 2009

Bryn, Flint
Carl off Flint, totally agree with you regarding road layout at Flint Mountain, what numbskull could plan that?
Thu Mar 26 12:03:43 2009

Harry Pie, Flint
Alien you do have a very good point on all counts but have a quick look on the MSN home page. There is a survey to find the dullest place & there are people from all over the UK declaring the same problems afflicting their towns ie bad planning, lack of places to go and an abundance of chavs, Luton, Rugby, Daventry, Slough, Hull, Dunbarton, The Rhondda, Frome, Trowbridge...the list goes on. It seems we are not alone. Look on the bright side - we seem to be faring better than some.
Wed Mar 4 09:22:55 2009

Alien
Regarding the comments about Flint I do believe that the maisonettes should come down especially the block facing Coleshill Street - they look as if they may fall down any day! The council should also insist that the row of houses by Somerfield be knocked down as they have now been empty for so long. The problem with Flint is that is has become a victim of bad planning in the late sixties and early seventies. The idea of putting social housing in the middle of town - madness! Now that we are in a recession I cannot see many businesses coming to Church Street and unfortunately I must admit that my visits to the town centre are rare. I find Flint depressing and soul destroying. I have given up on night life as I cannot relish the thought of visiting the pubs which seem unwelcoming and in dire need of facelifts. Very few cafes exist where people can meet friends. A poor state of affairs indeed. I think the council make an effort with Festival Week and the Christmas lights but again things can improve only if the people let the powers that be know what is wrong. Hope the Councillors read this.
Mon Mar 2 10:25:09 2009

Off Flint
Cornist hall for sale OEO £750,000! Thought it would be a lot more, was shocked. Been up there today, apart from the castle, one of the nicest buildings in Flint! Here is what the Daily Post says.
CORNIST Hall in Flint – former home of the Summers steel family – is on the market with an asking price of £750,000.
Fri Feb 27 08:52:31 2009

Nick, Webteam
I hope you don't mind me butting in - but...
Can I suggest contributors draw up a list of the places causing concern so people can see, specifically, what the problems area are as you see them and then, perhaps, you can start to discuss what needs to be done.
1. The maisonettes!
They keep coming up time and again. What's next?
I'm thinking out loud here, but once you've done this then maybe you could put your list to the local authorities and start some dialogue with them as they've already stated on this site that they want to hear from anyone willing to help the community to help itself.
Fri Feb 27 08:45:25 2009

It's Me
Re Micky Dint. Although it pains me to say this, being a Flint girl through and through, growing up here all my life, I do have to agree about the state of Flint. It's so upsetting to see it go down hill in this way. In the '90s when I was growing up it wasn't half as bad but now it is so bad it makes me feel bad to say this is where I come from. Underneath the unsightly mess, Flint is a good town and although Smithy said hardly anyone knows anybody any more, I have to disagree, I can't go anywhere in Flint without at least 10 people saying hi but I take comfort in that. The main problem with Flint, as you say is the amount of boarded up shops and buildings some of which have stood empty for years. What is happening with the old post office, for example? Plus, as I mentioned in an earlier post, the maisonettes really do look an eyesore! If the coucillors aren't going to do anything, we should. We need to all sign a petition about what needs doing to the town to improve, i.e. Better shops and to make use of old buildings, knocking the maisonettes down because I really am getting sick of the embarrasment when I get asked where I'm from so I say 'Flint' and they say 'Oh, that place is really rough'. But we musn't lose sight of how good it once was and take it back to its former glory.
Fri Feb 27 08:31:05 2009

Old Flinter
Living in Flint throughout the '80s, I was invited by old friends to meet up and join them for a drink and catch up in Flint - on being a regular some 20 years ago in The Swan. I was horrified to see the windows have, what can only be described as safety plastic on the windows, this looks so unsightly and does not encourage anyone to actually want to go in the pub, but wanting a blast from the past, I did venture in, only to find there were only a handful of people in there and the looks I got was as though I had 2 heads! Such a shame but I regret to say that I won't be going back! I know Flint could sometimes be portrayed as a little bit rough, but it was ok, but it just seems to be slipping even further, and someone needs to take a grip and turn the town around before it really is too late!
Thu Feb 26 08:25:55 2009

Eric Duke of Flint
Carl off Flint-agree with you 150% about the right turn lane into Flint Mountain. Somebody has already been through the hedge since its installation as you travel towards Mold.
Wed Feb 25 08:12:14 2009

Micky Dint
RE Andy from Mallorca, I have to agree with Smithy, the town really is going to the dogs, it's got to the point where you are starting to look foolish if you to try and defend its honour. We are faced with boarded up houses on the main road oppsoite the fire station because the Somerfield (former Kwik Save) bought the dwellings and politley told the tenants to leave in order to use their homes to extend the car park to cater for imaginary customers. If you come down from Northop Rd you are faced with a bingo hall (the old Mecca) that is covered in so much dirt and dust it is difficult to tell what coulour it is (I think it may be a pinky red). Directly opposite is the site of the former Flint House which has been levelled and hidden away from the public view with 8ft wooden blue fences. I don't know if they are hiding the rubble or the fact that no activity has taken place for almost 12 months. Faced with this scruffy appearance it is no wonder that some people find it acceptable to replicate this in their everyday existance by littering and allowing their animals to foul the streets. Even the shopping in the town centre has disappeared thanks to the demise of Woolworths and the introduction of so many bargain basement shops it is hard to differentiate between them all. Looking on the bright side though, it is now much easier to park in Church Street.
Wed Feb 25 08:10:42 2009

Smithy
Hi Andy from Mallorca, nice that you've found this site from your old town. Take my advice mate and stop over there in Mallorca, this town has changed a lot since the '60/'70s. In those days as you say you knew most of the people who lived in the town, their names and where they lived. These days you're lucky if you know what country they are from! The town itself is dirty, the shops that are open (quite a few gone to the wall with the recession) have to have their rollerblinds down to stop the idiots breaking the windows at night. Some of the pubs you would remember have shut and I believe but don't know from experience that drugs are readily available all around the town. Sorry to sound so gloomy but that's how I see it after living in the town for over 50 years.
Tue Feb 24 08:38:37 2009

Andy, off Flint, Mallorca
I have just found this site, by mistake! I grew up in the late '60s and '70s, in Flint (Maes Gwyn). The whole town was a great friendly place to live, everybody knew everybody, if you came home from school and your parents were at work there were always neighbours willing to make your tea, summers were great, parents always found time to take all the children on walks to the parks etc. All the gardens were well maintained by the owners, streets were never dirty, it really was a great friendly place to live.
Mon Feb 23 08:18:41 2009

Carl Off Fflint
Can someone tell me the name of the prat in Flintshire Highways who has changed the road access into Flint Mountain? The new layout is crazy, there will be a head on crash as someone is waiting to turn into Flint Mountain or someone will end up going through the hedge as the bend is now too tight! Does anyone else agree with me on this stupid road layout?
Fri Feb 20 10:01:58 2009

DC. Flint
Read about the new road sweepers for the streets of Flintshire. Does this mean our paths are going to be rid of dog mess, vomit and spit? It is like walking through a mine field especially Prince of Wales Avenue and all the avenues that lead off it in the town of Flint.
Fri Feb 20 09:51:23 2009

It's Me
Hi, just got very bored tonight so have decided to have a look at this message board and have a read of the some of the comments you have all made. Notice that a while back people were talking about the maisonettes and the majority of people have been protesting that they want them demolished. However, they are still here! Like to say that I too believe that they should be demolished as they do make the town look really rough. A few months back I had a friend visit who said 'Are they still here? They look a mess'. Thing is though people can complain all they want but you can't please everyone. I remember when they were first planning to demolish them and there were complaints from some of the residents saying 'Oh no, they can't, I'm very happy here I've lived here for 30 years'. When it comes down to it, though, these people knew they were only temp. We shall see what they say when they all start falling down around them. Also been informed that some people have mortgages on them! That to me seems stupid, why get a mortgage on a masionette that takes years to pay off if they weren't built to last?
Fri Feb 20 09:45:55 2009

DC, Flint
Heard about the rumour Aldi is closing so I asked the manager - he said it isn't true, Aldi is here to stay.
Thu Feb 19 08:48:02 2009

Sue, Flint
I totally agree with you both. I can remember a time when I could get all I needed for both myself and my family in Flint. All of these shops have now gone - I have always tried to support local shops such as Jones the Gardeners and Wynne Willimas but supermarket prices have stopped this because they can reduce the prices by so much. I suppose this is what they call progress but it is killing local towns.
Wed Feb 18 09:35:58 2009

Smithy
Yes, I totally agree with you about the crazy amount of fast food outlets that are now in Flint. I'm that old I can remember when all we had was Bessie Bib's on the main road and Benthams (nicest chips I've ever tasted) that was in the area where the public toilets now stand. There was also a chippy in top shops. Later in the '60s Gardiners opened by the Tradesmen's and the chippy in the Market Square started up. I think it must be a sign of the times that a small town like Flint can keep the amount of fast food shops open as they do. To have two Chinese takeaways within five retail outlets in top shops is really odd. I believe that the florists across the road by the Mill Tavern has closed and that will now be selling sandwiches. As you say it would be nice for some big name high street clothes shop to open up in the old Woolies but I don't think it will ever happen. Has anybody else heared the rumour that Beavans are re-opening a hardware shop in Flint and also that Aldi is closing in six months if things don't improve?
Tue Feb 17 14:35:02 2009

It's Me
Does anyone agree we've got too may takeaway places and hairdressers in Flint for a small town? It takes the micky. Take away places: Crescent chippy, Diana kebab shop, Dragon City Chinese, Wong Kwok Chinese, Raj Indian (all on one road), then across the road you've got Red Olive Indian and UK fried chicken. Also in Flint you've got Yee Yee, Top Yee, Danny's Kitchen, the Fry Inn chippy, the Haruns kebab. I mean, we only need one or 2 Chineses and Indian and a kebab shop. Wasting space for better, well known shops to attract buisness. Same for hairdressers which I can name about 10 of! Please don't build any more and get some good shops in Flint! How many well known shops have we got? Even less now Woolies has gone, which, by the way I think would be good if replaced with a New Look or another top clothes store. They only sell rubbish in Flint and we have to spend money commuting to Chester to get a decent wardrobe!
Mon Feb 16 08:50:14 2009

Gary Mac
Typical response from the mayor. Are councillors are only able to listen when sat on their backsides? Why not talk to the people you represent and maybe you will have a better understanding of what we want. Or maybe this is only done when a tick in the right box is required?
Mon Feb 16 08:08:37 2009

Sue, Flint
Hello Smithy - yes I have noticed an increase in dog dirt - I don't know why this is - the majority of dog owners in my view show responsibilty in cleaning up after themselves. I am not a dog owner by the way!
Wed Feb 11 16:18:15 2009

Smithy
Has anybody else noticed the amount of dog dirt on the pavements around the town? It has become really bad. Is it because of the dark nights and people not bothering to take their little bags with them to clear the mess because they are not seen? I have a daily walk around the High School area and it is the worst I have ever known. Please dog owners clean up your pet's mess winter and summer.
Wed Feb 11 11:44:12 2009

Councillor Terry Renshaw, Mayor of Flint
In answer to your comment on the Flint page with regard to your ideas for the Flint Festival. I would invite you to contact me at Flint Town Hall to discuss your ideas. We need people who are prepared to work with us to arrange a variety of events for the town and if you are willing to help to arrange events we will listen.
Tue Feb 10 13:37:14 2009

Paul off Flint
I agree the Flint festival is not very good, there should be more going on like carnivals. All there is every time is Flint Male Voice Choir and the 999 day. While this is OK what about getting community spirt going and getting all the schools and voluntary services involed like they used to do a few years ago? Carnivals bring the whole town together. You could have It's a Knockout between each of the public houses. Tug of war etc, five a side football, races for the children, a fun fair, morris dancing and mojorette comps, an old fashioned parade which you don't see any more. The castle is an ideal venue, you have got the rugby field for the It's a Knockout and you could have a barbeque and disco at night. The money raised could go to local charities. I know that it is a lot of work but it can be done with help from the local council and I am sure people would be willing to help. I for one have a few contacts if anyone is interested. It has been done before and I am sure people would enjoy it, why not give it a try this year?
Mon Feb 9 09:31:03 2009

T Williams
I think something needs to be done with the parked cars that are on the Aber road by Creative Foods. I have had a few near misses up and down that road, why do they have to park on the road when they have space for a car park but they use it for their work purposes? If a lorry is coming on the other side of the road to you you have no chance. I am thinking of contacting the highways department to see if something can be done.
Tue Feb 3 09:40:37 2009

Anon
I grew up in Flint feeling very fed up with nothing to do and nowhere to go as a teenager, well not without spending a fortune to get there! I managed to get away some years ago to a much more happening place where, yes, it is good to know not everybody around you knows your business! People in Flint have nothing else to do but gossip! Glad to be away from it....you all know who you are too!
Fri Jan 30 09:37:37 2009

Quimby off Flint
We should be thankful we reside in Flintshire and not Denbighshire - What a bunch of clowns! (Denbighshire County Council that is)
Fri Jan 30 09:36:10 2009

Toppy
Now that the people of Flintshire know that Flintshire County Council have over £67 million stuck in banks all over the world, will the people of Flintshire be happy when rates and rents rise, and the council saying the same old story - no money for repairs or renovations?
Mon Jan 12 08:36:35 2009

Mo, Flint
Well said Micky Dint, we were talking about the pram race and the milk race last week, and the fact that if something isn't done soon we will lose the community spirit and all the precious memories. There must be someone out there that could help to organise it.
Mon Dec 29 09:15:20 2008

Eric Duke, Flint
To Sue, Flint. Town Council meetings take place every 1st and 4th Mondays of the month at Town Hall. They are advertised at Town Hall, where starting times and agenda are exhibited. Regrettably, you can only listen as no public participation is allowed nor does an opportunity exist on agenda. The holiday periods do mean that December meeting is 15th not 22nd and January meeting is 12th not 5th.Other meetings/exhibitions are detailed as and when so keep an eye on newspapers, Town Hall, etc, etc. Contact your Town and County Councillors.
The Campaign Against Croes Atti - a group fighting the 650 housing development, likely to expand to 1300 properties, on land between A548 and Coed Onn Road, produce an excellent newsletter defining many things their investigations have revealed but which the old powers did not wish you to know, and keep you up to date with the happenings.
Wed Dec 17 07:53:46 2008

Alien, Flint
Micky Dint - I agree with your comments. I enjoyed the community events mentioned and incidentally I went to St Mary's Church on Tuesday night to an inter-denominational carol service. The church was celebrating its 160th anniversary with a tree festival with 25 christmas trees sponsored and beautifully decorated by businesses and organisations. The schoolchildren of Flint and Bagillt took part in the service and the church was full to overflowing. Now that was a wonderful community event. We all came out of church and the town christmas lights were the best I've seen in the area. Lets have more of these kind of events and well done to the organisers.
Fri Dec 12 12:07:29 2008

Micky Dint
RE: Sue's Request.
Eric, would it be possible to point us in the general direction of where we can find (or request) a meeting schedule (including time, date & location), agenda,and previous minutes please? Also, is it an open forum or invite only (what is the capacity of the venue). Any information will be very much appreciated.
Fri Dec 12 11:49:15 2008

Jim Davies, Flint
Very good points Micky Dint. The fetes used to be brilliant on the old Holywell Road football ground and Courtaulds did provide fantastic children's parties at Christmas. We would need people like the council, maybe the football and rugby clubs, army cadets, etc, Scouts, brownies, etc. Would take some organising and may have some legal hurdles but would be a very worthwhile event I'm sure. This town has quite a few sound sports and leisure organisations and many worthwhile causes - it would be great to help them. I'm up for doing something, anyone else fancy it?
Fri Dec 12 08:43:05 2008

Micky Dint
On a completely different subject.....when I was growing up Flint used to have quite a few occasions that kept us kids out of bother. There was the pram race from boozer to boozer, the bike race around town (which I'm sure formed part of a national competition) and the May day bank holiday fetes at the leisure centre/Flint Town Utd football ground. I have also read today about the numerous events that Courtaulds used to put on for their staff and townspeople. The point I'm trying to make is two fold. We, as a town, do not provide enough occasions where we can get together as a community and participate in fun activities. There are 3 events that happen, namely the 999 day, the bonfire and the switching on of the Xmas lights, all of which are well organised but are much of a muchness in respects to the actual activities on offer. This must go someway towards explaining the lack of community spirit and the alienation of the younger generation as we very rarely interact. My second point is that we now have enough room in the Flint calendar to maybe introduce more charity events in the summer evenings or bank holidays that will benefit local caused such as the Cottage Hospital, retirement homes, save the family, RNLI etc. What are people's views on such an idea? Can we organise and support such events and which causes would be most deserving of our cash?
Thu Dec 11 14:01:06 2008

Sue Flint
I am interested in Eric Duke's comments recently posted. I am not political but I am interested in local issues which is why I enjoy the debates on this site. What I would like to know is how to find out where these Town Council meetings take place and when.
Thu Dec 11 08:34:57 2008

It's Me
The point is wherever you go in the world you will always have something to moan about. Yes, Flint isn't the best of towns but it's far from the worst! People, as you said, should count themselves lucky to live in such a place where, generally, everybody knows each other and the majority of us live happily in the community. I for one feel quite safe living here.
Mon Dec 8 08:25:19 2008

Johnny
Oi, Jaro, it wasn't me that did it, I was at home watching 'I'm a celebrity'. Besides, I'm 37, manager of a small haulage company with a wife and 3 kid and my tearaway days are well behind me.
Fri Dec 5 13:07:01 2008

Jaro
I completely agree - in some cases, yes you can blame the parents, but in the majority of cases the parents cannot be blamed! I was bought up by my law abiding mother, who did a great job of teaching my brother and myself the rights from wrongs, but the moment we were out of her sight and the friends that we kept at the time, we could get up to all sorts of mischief without her knowledge, and then we would arrive home as though butter wouldn't melt! We were never malicious or disrespectful towards others, but did what most other bored kids were doing - just larking about! Unfortunately some kids do just get into the wrong crowd and it's great for them to feel as though they're "in the in crowd" and get dragged along just to feel part of something! It's wrong but it happens unfortunately! BUT most youngsters do grow out of this, like myself become respectful and law abiding adults. Its so easy to blame parents, saying their children are in for 8 or 9 and just round the corner, do they not realise they can still cause a multitude of sins without the parents' knowledge! How many times have you heard a parent saying "oh my little Johnny is a little angel and wouldn't do anything like that" - and people look in dis-belief knowing behind his parents' back 'little Johnny' is a little tearaway! "Little Johnny has been used as an example name and has not been used intentionally to cause offence to those with kids named Johnny"
Fri Dec 5 08:50:00 2008

It's Me
Sorry it was October that that comment which I mentioned earlier was made. Sorry to anyone that was confused I got the dates mixed up.
Thu Dec 4 07:29:06 2008

It's Me
Thanks Jaro, at last someone agrees with me! I read a comment from Kel from back in April, don't know whether you have read it or not but in reply to that: It's very unfair to blame the parents for such behaviour, it's like me and my brother were both brought up the same etc but I was never a trouble maker whereas my brother always got into trouble with the police. Fair to blame the parents? I think not. Some children will just do what they like whatever happens, they get in with the wrong crowd and that's it, they will not always take an example from the parents but also from the public.
Thu Dec 4 07:28:32 2008

Jaro
To It's Me; I was of the same thinking as you when I was your age. YES, it is unfair to judge and criticise the youth of Flint. We were all young once. But as the saying goes, one bad apple and all that. I agree with paying say a monthly fee for a youth club / and an extension on the leisure centre for the youth club rather than losing an existing building would be a better idea. I hope in 20 years' time like me, you don't look back and think nothing has actually changed though. And the pool tables in the old youth club were probably still the same ones used back in the late '80s. I'm 39 and these debates about the youth of Flint were still being discussed back then. I do feel that a meeting should be held by councillors, parents and of course the most important, a spokesman for the youth of Flint to get together and bang heads to come to some sort of resolution to please the majority - you will never please all of the people all of the time. 'IT'S ME' sounds perfectly level headed and would make an ideal spokesperson. But once the maisonettes, the shops, the leisure centre, the youth, the skatepark, the bypass, this years bonfire have all been resolved - they'll be something else to moan about! Negative thinking about Flint has a knock on effect, try positive thinking and look at what Flint town has in good aspects too - have you been to some towns recently? Flint has got a lot more going for it than given credit for!
Wed Dec 3 08:39:33 2008

Dave Jones, Flint
In response to a story about phantom planes:
A few years back now I remember looking up towards the flats from the castle and I could have sworn I saw a very low propellored aircraft fly in between the castle and Bolligbroke Heights, flying directly over the town towards Rhyl. But the plane didn't emerge from the other side of Bollingbroke Heights. And I hear stories of a wreck of a WW2 fighter plane in the gutters on Bagillt cob. I've never seen it even though I have looked. Could the wreckage be supernatural?
Wed Dec 3 08:27:00 2008

It's Me.
I have said I do realise that people must get fed up of young children causing trouble on the streets, but as I also said not every child is the same and I believe it's a great idea to put a youth centre in the pavilion. I don't believe that they should sacrifice any of the existing facilities though but maybe they could build an extension or something...can you think of anywhere better? To all the people that are moaning about this, what are the council supposed to do exactly? Leave the kids with nowhere to go at night to stay off the streets and instead leave them bored to cause trouble on the streets, more uproar? I swear to God you can't do right for doing wrong. Being 18 & growing up in this place, I speak on behalf of most young people here, the facilities are rubbish. With the last youth club we had they used to charge 10p to get in and that was it, maybe if they charged so much a month inc damage fees it would never have got in such a pitiful state and also by charging monthly it would keep kids off the street every night of the week if they pay in advance, they could also use the money to invest in better equipment instead of rubbish old pool tables & a TV.
Tue Dec 2 07:22:40 2008

It's Me
Why is everyone criticising the young people of this town? I mean, for god's sake, while I appreciate there are some right troublemakers in Flint as I have lived here all my life and have seen it with my own eyes, isn't this the same in every town and city? Look at London, that place is an absolute disgrace. I find it hard to believe how families with young children can live there and be able to sleep at night without wondering what will happen next. You keep moaning about these kids all the time, every time I read a message board it's always negative comments, you should stop stereotyping people all the time, not every child is the same...and you wonder why all these kids always stereotype moaning gits like you, who never seem to shut up about it.
Mon Dec 1 08:05:51 2008

Alien, Flint
Eric Duke - you are quite correct in your statement. Apathy is what has brought this country to its knees. Look at what has happened in your community since 1997. Do people now believe that things really did get better? Law and order? NHS? Economy? I would be interested to see what other contributors think.
Mon Dec 1 08:03:41 2008

Eric Duke, Flint
Yes, councillors do read this web site, especially some new to the Town and County Councils from last May's elections. But, where were you all when it came to putting your x on the ballot paper? Bar one new Independent County Councillor for Oakenholt (to oust Labour's Terry Renshaw) and 3 new truly Independent councillors on the Town Council, the people of Flint voted to keep in the same old Labour crowd despite alternatives - in Flint Coleshill ward not one person stood against the sitting candidates, so is that true democracy? All of us are not possibly cut out to be politicians but there must have been some amongst all the entries on this site that could have given some complacent long term councillors a bloody nose. Go to Town Council meetings, do not rely upon the often manipulated local media for the true perspective. See it in operation, like me form your own opinion and more especially continue to vocally support and ATTEND those meetings that affect YOUR town like those on Flint's regeneration, the housing development at Croes Atti, the maisonettes etc etc. Lack of interest and input plays into the hands of the political majority thus ensuring they get what is best for them and their politics. Local politics should be what is best for our town, not just to satisfy a national political whim.
Fri Nov 28 14:57:00 2008

Sue, Flint
Re Jim Davies Flint, I think these views are very positive and could be a way to resolve a situation that is going to happen anyway. I don't think anybody would dispute the fact that the youth of Flint should have a decent place to go but that should not be at the expense of others i.e. leisure centre users. I feel this could be a compromise and wonder if under suitable supervision from Youth Club leaders (who in my experience have been very good) could be a way forward?
Fri Nov 21 14:04:38 2008

Jim Davies, Flint.
Re the squash courts/youth club. Flintshire have said they are going to convert the courts to an activity hall. This could be done in a way that the squash courts are retained. The dividing wall between the courts could be removed after simple structural alteration and sliding doors (lined with plasterboard to give fireproofing and the right texture for the squash ball) installed. That way the doors could be closed for squash and opened to make a bigger area for activities. The kids get an area and we don't lose the very good squash courts. By the way this site has a very healthy debate. It's good to see democracy in action.
Mon Nov 17 08:50:38 2008

Dee Flint
To Kel, don't get me started on the kids in Flint, they have no respect for anyone or anything. Anyway, I've had it up to here with Flint. I grew up here but I won't live here any more. I'm going back to London, there's more opportunites there and a lot of my friends. I hope you get your answers and the problems sorted, just keep fighting! No matter how hard it gets.
Mon Nov 17 08:05:02 2008

Brian Flint Resident
In reply to Barry my comments were posted on Monday 10th, if you look at the end of the comments you can see that. It was the BBC that put them on the web page on the 11th of November. I will gladly put my full name if others do the same. I presume Harry's surname isn't Pie and alien is not Mr Alien. My question still stands. What do the anonymous moaners do for the community except knock it? ?
Thu Nov 13 11:05:32 2008

Dee Flint
My parents were told two years ago the masionettes are coming down. I'm fuming at the council, just like the rest of you guys you don't know if you're coming or going. We deserve a straight answer. They need to knock them down, They were only meant to be up for 30 years. But it's ok for the council - they spend the money on their Christmas do. We need answer and we need it now.
Thu Nov 13 08:57:40 2008

Harry Pie, Flint
Brian, Thanks for enquiring about my health. I phoned the doctor for some pep pills. I have an appointment in 2010, Tuesday I think. You are entitled to your opinion on the youth club and I to mine (if you read my comment of 16 august you will see I too firmly believe the young people of Flint should have a youth club but not at the expense of some very good squash courts). It was correctly pointed out that many of our fellow countrymen and women have laid down their lives for the right to free speech. I have served my country and my county and will exercise the right to some of that free speech and as for anonomity, at least I give both my names.
Wed Nov 12 13:14:50 2008

Alien, Flint
Sorry Brian, I have not been abducted by Bagillt UFO. Please note my positive statement dated 10 November. Criticism when needed and praise when it's due. Nothing wrong with that!
Tue Nov 11 13:02:14 2008

Barry Bithel
How unfortunate that Brian's rant against the townsfolks' freedom of speech should appear on 11th November, the very day that we celebrate the efforts of our countrymen who put their lives on the line to ensure that such a right still exists. Aren't these pages meant to be for people to express their thoughts on current issues? Isn't the fact that Brian has attacked 2 active participants of this message board enough to justify their anonymity? Isn't the fact that these very pages are hyperlinked on the county councils website reason enough to suggest that they actually visit the site? Finally, isn't it a shame that Brian's post is devoid of any irony when challenging the moaning and anonymous nature of the posts on this site when he expresses himself by moaning under a semi anonymous moniker?
Tue Nov 11 13:01:42 2008

Brian, Flint Resident
Thank goodness that the old youth club is coming down. It was in a state when we had to march from the Gwynedd to eat our dinners there and that was in the 1960s. It's about time the young people had somewhere tidy to meet. The leisure centre makes perfect sense. In the centre of the town, by the skatepark, away from houses and they all gather there anyway. May I suggest that some of the regular contributors to this site go and get some pep me up pills from the doctor as they are obviously depressed - some of the things they moan about amaze me. By the way is Harry Pie ill again as we haven't heard his miserable moaning for over 2 weeks. With regard to the bonfire, it's a great shame that there was no fire but it was a good show and I'm sure we should all thank the volunteer organisers instead of having another pop at people trying to do something in Flint. If you can't pay for a ride then don't go. It's a great shame that some of the regular contributors to this site don't do something for the town more positive than posting nasty comments on an anonymous message board. Finally if I was a councillor I would have better things to do than read this site. They deal with real life issues and don't post anonymous comments on web pages. (I assume that these comments will send Harry Pie and Alien into a frenzied response, or perhaps they've been abducted by the Bagillt UFO.)
Mon Nov 10 15:09:41 2008

Alien, Flint
May I say something positive about the town? I attended the Rememberance Day Service at Flint on Sunday, the weather was atrocious with relentless rain accompanied by a cold wind. The large turn out however, reflected people's determination to pay their respects to the fallen and also to those men and women who are still fighting for us. I was heartened to see so many children taking part in the parade and also watching the ceremony. As we approach the 70th anniversary of the start of WW2 the veterans will diminish and it is up to the next generation to ensure that those who gave their lives in wars and conflicts shall not be forgotten. Well done Flint British Legion and the people of Flint.
Mon Nov 10 14:17:40 2008

Cornist Resident
The Cornist Hall is an absolute disgrace. It's in a state of disrepair, smashed and lighting outside, poor road surface and just a general mess. Someone needs to buy it and restore it to its former glory!
Mon Nov 10 08:38:47 2008

Susan
It comes as no surprise to me that F.C.C. are proposing to turn the old Youth Club into a site for new apartments. I came to this conclusion when the Youth Club was relocated in the Leisure Centre which was not really welcomed by Leisure Centre users. I sincerely hope that things will go O.K. for users and that this is not once again a situation where F.C.C. will cash in at the expense of others.
Mon Nov 10 08:36:48 2008

Paul off Flint
How can we have a bonfire without a bonfire? The town is going to the dogs. There has been one in Flint for 50 years for me to go - so who are they to say we shall have one or not. Deeside have one and that is by the river. Well, not far from it. So what is the difference to Fflint? Flint town is finished. Other ppl had bonfires in their back gardens. Does that go to the river with wind?
Mon Nov 10 08:26:41 2008

Off Flint
I must vent my anger at the organisers of the Flint bonfire night. Since when has bonfire night been about making money? I understand that the RNLI need all the funding they can get and I don't have a problem with them, but when the people who run the fairground rides charge £2.50 a time I find this hard to bear. Surely they should be told how much they can charge in what is meant to be a special night for families. Maybe the people off Flint should boycott it next year and just watch the fireworks from their homes. Does anyone else feel ripped off the same as I do?
Mon Nov 10 08:24:26 2008

Mo, Flint
Went for a walk round Flint Mountain. What a shame. All those houses have been built at the bottom of the hill. All the people who have lived there most of their lives have no view any more looking at brick walls. People from away are the only ones who will afford them. Is it fair to the people?
Wed Nov 5 08:40:10 2008

Ann Dunn, Volunteer RNLI Lifeboat Press Officer
It is true that we are not having a bonfire this year. As you are aware the Dee Estuary is now a designated Special Area of Conservation and there are obviously concerns regarding ash and debris polluting the Dee.
The organisers from the RNLI at Flint are bitterly disappointed that this is the case but they will be looking to work around this problem by 2009.
On a positive note there will be more room for people to enjoy the main event of the night which is the Firework Display. The fair rides and side stalls will be in full swing as will the food stalls selling the usual Guy Fawkes Night goodies. There will also be a Best Guy Competition which will be judged at 6pm.
This is the 10th year that this event has been held and as well as raising funds for the RNLI it helps to promote a good community atmosphere.
The RNLI at Flint hope that people will continue to support the event and I believe that programme sales are very good.
Wed Nov 5 07:52:51 2008

Alien, Flint
I was looking forward to seeing comments about the new look Flint. Did anyone manage to visit the exhibition in the Town Hall? Unfortunately, I could not attend. So come on contributors, put me out of my misery. What is it all about?
Tue Nov 4 13:51:42 2008

OFF FLINT
Just when you think you've heard it all, something comes along that beggers belief. The bonfire [not the event itself] has been cancelled due to the ash from the fire landing in the River Dee. Surely this has got to be a joke! Do people forget what chemicals were dumped in there during the '70s & '80s? How can we have a Flint bonfire night without a bonfire? Next year maybe the folk of Flint won't buy a £3 programme, and go to one of our neighbouring towns who will have a bonfire.
Tue Nov 4 08:01:33 2008

Alien, Flint
Harry Pie - perhaps the councillors are waiting for their new laptops before they can contribute to this site!
Wed Oct 29 08:35:48 2008

Harry Pie, Flint
Shame on you Flintshire CC. How many comments from your electorate are there on this site? Loads. How many comments are there from our elected councillors? None!
Mon Oct 27 09:14:49 2008

Harry Pie from Flint
Re this by-pass nonsense get a traffic survey done (although I'm sure this was done years ago). This will prove that the volume of traffic, particularly HGVs, is many times more on the A55 than on the A548. It will also show that about 20% or more traffic using the Flintshire Bridge turns off at the Connahs Quay exit. Where are these HGVs going? About 75% of the HGVs are going to Ireland and many are Irish or from Eastern Europe, if you sent these guys on the A548 you will find them trying to get back on the A55 as soon as possible through Kelsterton Lane, Papermill Lane, Flint or Holywell and adding 30 minutes or so to the journeys. Flint and Greenfield have no huge Courtaulds Factories any more, the sparse industrial estates that have replaced them are in general adequately serviced by a few transit vans. There are a few exceptions Such as Rl Jones in Greenfield, but less than 10% of traffic on the A548 is HGVs. This should tell the traffic engineers all they need to know. The vast majority of A548 traffic is local and would not benefit from any road improvement. Flint is certainly not choked with traffic in the way Shotton is, yes it gets quite busy at peak times that will always be the case if local people are going to work in their cars. We certainly don't need a by-pass for real reasons, do we need one for political reasons? Think of the Flintshire Bridge - two wrongs don't make a right.
Mon Oct 27 09:09:45 2008

Nick, Webteam
We'd be interested to hear your views if anyone is going to the open session next week [Flint Town Hall, Thurs Oct 30, 11am-7pm] to hear more about the plans being put forward for a £1m Lottery Heritage grant to spend on renegerating areas including Church Street, Trelawny Square, Chester Street and around the train station.
Thu Oct 23 13:43:14 2008

Harry Pie from Flint
Flint Cottage hospital will shortly be closed if what I'm being told is true. Is this really a Labour government we have here or are they Tories in disguise?
Tue Oct 21 10:30:30 2008

Jane
The problems with the maisonettes has been an on-going thing in my existence for somewhat 30 years. I remember as a youngster myself sitting in the stairwells of the maisonettes with friends, and they were disgusting then, and as much as I understand the way some people must feel intimidated by the kids and the mess, they were disgusting then, and certainly not a safe or clean place, so what they must be like now. I can't believe in all honesty that someone has not come up with an ingenious plan of securing these stairwells to make them a safer and more hygienic place. Or is this just another one of the many issues that is brushed under the carpet and the council just burying their heads in the sand, hoping these year old situations will just go away - unfortunately, no they don't.
Tue Oct 21 10:29:52 2008

Alien, Flint
Ellie - my heart goes out to you. I have never been inside the maisonettes but they do look in desperate need of repair from the outside. As I have said before on this forum people deserve better housing. I don't know the answer - where are they going to find other housing? How much is it all going to cost? The only suggestion I have is that you raise awareness of your plight through the media - that may just make the council wake up and do something.
Mon Oct 20 08:00:15 2008

Sue, Flint
Hello Dicky Mint; I am against a Flint by-pass - I firmly believe it would damage the local economy. I am fully aware where the finance and the final decision lies. What we should be concerned about are the proposals which lie with Flintshire County Council, I believe. I do see your point that the problem does not rest with the Aston residents per se but the people who are behind the scheme which brings me to my final point - why do we need either - expansion of the A494 or a Flint bypass?
Fri Oct 17 09:07:54 2008

Harry Pie, Flint
The original Flint bypass had two possible routes. The coastal route which was ridiculously difficult engineering wise including two railway crossings running along the marsh very close to the castle crossing the old dock and joining the existing A548 near the manor. This was unbelievably, seriously considered and some compulsory purchases were made including the old managers house from the paper mill which lay in ruins for several years and was recently on the market for £595,000. The second route was the inland route which left the A548 somewhere near Bryn Thomas' yard and crossed the fields including Flint Golf Club. This, if I remember rightly, was thrown out before the coastal route. Bear in mind the bridge was not constructed then and the A494 /A55 improvements not made. In addition there has been considerable development to the south end of the town that was once known as the gun site. The coastal route would be a non starter as it would not fulfil the purpose, and would be extremely expensive involving bridges or tunnels and ground stabilisation work and the matter of running through a SSSI. The inland route would also be extremely destructive in its original route taking out parts of Papermill Lane, Leadbrook Drive, Coed Onn Road and the new Anwyl houses and Mountain Park golf course & Flint golf course. If a Flint bypass went ahead lets hope it doesn't take either of the original routes as you can see Flint has a lot to lose.
Fri Oct 17 08:53:04 2008

FCC HELP US, ELLIE OFF FLINT
Please help us Flintshire County Council, the maisionetts are a terrible place to live now they are in a terrible state of repair. Not only that we are having to put up with people causing trouble almost every weekend with the police having to attend - it's beyond a joke and it's scary - kids with cans of beer filling the stairways, rubbish everywhere including furniture, we have people leaving bins on the walkways with mice running up and down the walkways. It's a disgrace, and very unhealthy. People have cats and are leaving food out at night and that is attracting all kinds of vermin. One elderly resident has even seen rats around. Why do we have to live like this? I for one am not used to living like this and it's making me ill. I am terrified to open my front door for one reason or another. And I speak for lots of residents. Help us!
Fri Oct 17 08:48:20 2008

Mickydint
Hi Sue, thanks for your input on this subject but I think you may be missing the point that I made, while I agree with you the the residents of Aston Hill are protecting their interests, and rightly so, the way they have conducted themselves after the battle was won is a big concern to me. They have come up with some valid arguments as to why the A55 should not be widened and not all of them to do with housing. Why then, should they deflect the spotlight onto our already struggling town by suggesting that building a whole new road would make more sense than widening an already existing one? They have scored 2 own goals by firstly adding more weight behind the need for a means of linking traffic onto the A55 and secondly by losing the support of a community that was sympathetic in their plight only a few months previously. Finally I will also point out that the money and decision making does not sit with Flintshire County Council. Aston Hill mob beware, Flint sparks when struck!
Thu Oct 16 09:45:41 2008

Sue, Flint
I agree with Wil, Wrexham. I do not think the Aston reisdents are a 'mob', I think they are simply people protecting their own interests. We could learn a lot from them. It seems obvious to me that Flintshire County Council have money on the table and they do not know what to do with it next! We already have a Flint by-pass - it is called the A55!
Wed Oct 15 10:10:42 2008

Harry Pie, Flint
As far as I understand the A494 widening plans have not been scrapped completely just in the format that was presented earlier this year which was a huge development. The Flint by pass is a smokescreen given credence by the right honourable member for blowing his own trumpet and the midsummer leader. It would be an incredible waste of taxpayers money to construct a Flint bypass. I would hope that a widening of the Aston Hill will go ahead if on a smaller scale. This would represent much better value and would not result in miles of countryside being lost.
Mon Oct 13 09:47:32 2008

D.C. Flint
Do any of our local councillors ever walk around the maisonettes at the back of the library? It is an absolute disgrace. The stairwell of Hills Lea is full of beer cans, food and rubbish - it seems to have become the meeting place for the brainless of Flint. It makes me feel ashamed to be living in this town sometimes.
Mon Oct 13 09:18:24 2008

Wil, Wrexham.
I transport goods out of the Flint/Queensferry area and was sympathetic towards the anti Aston Hill widening campaign and still am. It is disappointing to see divisions developing in the area. Old milk-snatcher, and other dictator's policy, divide and rule, don't fall for it. Who is fronting the unwanted Flint by-pass campaign? If your own representative is in favour you have the remedy in your own hands. If you study the Aston Hill "mob's" objections you will find that everyone, except W.A.G., except local councillors, and except county officials was in favour of a road straight up from the new bridge to junction 33a/33 of A55. The only conclusion I can reach is that the half-dozen people affected by this suggested scheme must have more influence than the many present and former residents of Aston Hill, and Flint. I have heard of the criminally, aesthetically and financially insane proposal to bypass Flint via the castle, but have heard of no other. Are there any other routes proposed? Power to your elbow, MickyDint, but ask the Aston Hill "mob" for help and advice, I'm sure they'll give it, don't alienate them.
Mon Oct 13 08:41:02 2008

Harry Pie, Flint
This is a smoke screen to divert attention away from the obvious fact that the A55 needs increased capacity at its junction with A494 and 5117 etc. A Flint bypass would be a road to nowhere and would kill the shops in the town stone dead. The A55 is a road built for commerce primarily though it does carry thousands of tourists. There would be no benefit to either in a Flint bypass. Stand up to Flint haters and let commonsense be heard for a change!
Mon Oct 13 08:38:48 2008

MickyDint
Fellow Flint folk, I want to bring to your attention the treachery that our town has suffered by the hands of the Aston Hill mob! Over the past few years we have all sympathised with the residents of Aston Hill in their (successful) plight to stop the expansion of the A55 in their area. We have all been shopping in Asda and had clipboard poked under our noses and added signatures to petition after petition to help save our neighbours from this injustice, we were happy to help. We all rejoiced when the battle was won. Now it turns out that they have attempted to deflect the the attention away from their frontdoor and onto ours. They (councillor Sharpes and various Aston Hill campaigning spokespersons have now decided to throw their weight behind the Welsh Assembly's plan to consider the Flint bypass once again. It is absolutely disgraceful behaviour, shows a lack of class and is another nail in the coffin of community spirit. If it not good enough for Aston Hill then it certainly is not good enough for Flint. Our own councillor Alex Aldridge has also said this is a good idea. They will do well to remember that the Aston Hill issue will not fully go away and may get reviewed. I for 1 will be putting my tick in a different box to a few years ago.
Fri Oct 10 08:43:52 2008

Kel, Flint
I am disgusted by most of the kids in Flint. I know the majority of cases it's the parents' fault. If the discipline was there, these kids wouldn't be on the streets at all hours. I myself have 3 kid, who are not out after 8 or 9, and are less than 2 mins away from the house before these times. I have brought my kids up like I was brought up, and my kids respect me for this. They have heard of mates being beaten up or even worse by kids younger than them. Parents need to be more aware of what their kids are up to! And dealing with the problems as they arise, not spoiling them if they do something good for a change!
Thu Oct 9 11:02:05 2008

Harry Pie from Flint
Thanks prof was it Oxford or Cambridge?
Wed Oct 8 16:18:30 2008

Joe Bloggs from Flint
How many other towns can make a football team like this? Goalkeeper, Albert Avenue. Defenders the Street brothers Sydney, Lloyd, Earl and Henry Taylor (the posh one with the double barrelled name). Midfield, Sydney Walk (John's Brother), Richard Heights, Tudor Avenue (no relation to Albert) Bryn Road. Up front Windsor Drive and Thomas Street.Any suggestions for the subs?
Wed Oct 8 14:15:18 2008

Proffessor Egg
Hi Harry, I can confirm that the Swinchiard originates from the bridge that spans over Cornist road by the junction to Halkyn street, hope this helps.
Wed Oct 8 10:16:58 2008

Harry Pie, Flint
Does anyone still fish the river Dee? It must be cleaner now than it's been for years and another question; the name Schwinchiard, as in the brook, this looks and sounds like a foreign name. Does anyone know where it originates from?
Mon Oct 6 13:46:14 2008

Flinty
Do Flint councillors read this website? Why not? These are the people off Flint speaking, and they are not being listened to. It all falls on deaf ears. Why oh, why don't they listen?
Tue Sep 30 08:19:10 2008

Mo off Flint
Thank you Daffy Dilly. I have found out the shop was called Will the Hills. Not sure which house, it was just past Albert Ave.
Tue Sep 30 08:02:44 2008

Harry Pie, Flint
Picking up on something Alien wrote, how many other people fail miserably when trying to get a doctors appointment in Flint? Come on, don't be shy.
Sat Sep 27 10:08:11 2008

Daffy Dilly ex off Flint
Mo off Flint:- There were 2 shops along there. One was on the "avenues" side, between Maes Gwyn and Albert Avenue. It had a post office and was slightly set back from the road with parking space in front. I can't remember the name though. The other one was on the river side, by the Tradesman's across from Kings Avenue. I think it was called Heeds? The one my mum used most was opposite the school, Woodfield Stores, owned by Herbert and Mary Williams, a lovely couple. After that it was owned by Cliff Tierney's brother, then after that it was owned by Sylvia, she was nice too. I'd left the area by then but used to come back for visits. Best chippy was Bessie Bibby's!
Sat Sep 27 09:26:11 2008

Mo off Flint
Can anyone tell me was there a shop on Chester Rd past Albert Ave, towards Chester, and what was it called? Thanks
Tue Sep 23 08:06:03 2008

Flinty
Are Flint councillors ashamed, if not, why not? They have let the people of the maisonettes down badly. They have let the maisonettes go to rack and ruin while they sit in there ivory tower doing nothing. Where is the housing officer? All she has to do is look out of her window and see the mess for herself. She should take most of the blame for doing nothing. The maisonettes are a mess, furniture lying around, rules being broken left right and centre. What do the council do? Nothing as usual! If they are going to be demolished, demolish them, if they are staying up, look after them. And keep the people informed, as they have not been told anything, and they would like to know what's going on. Please show some courtsey and let them know.
Mon Sep 22 11:10:10 2008

Harry Pie, Flint
I fail to see a purpose for the Flint bypass. The people who were against the A494 pointed out that the Flintshire Bridge was underused. Will three miles of dual carriageway result in a massive increase in use? I don't think so; The queues for the Coed Mawr trail back to Boot End on Sundays this would be the result of any increase in traffic. The vast majority of west bound traffic entering Wales is not bound for Rhyl or Prestatyn but Ireland or the tourist hotspots. It is true a fair volume does descend on Talacre and Gronant but there are very rarely problems on A548 except Sundays. Can you say this for the A55? No! Hence the decision to increase the capacity of this road which is afterall a Euro route. Now you could say why not take the inland route to bypass Flint? This makes more engineering sense avoiding the bad ground of the coastal route and therefore cheaper for the taxpayer. However the inland route would swallow a vast swathe of green fields and possibly a golf course and hotel unlike the depressing tainted houses already purchased & boarded up on the Aston Hill. The only sensible solution to the problem of increased traffic on the A55 is to increase the capacity of the A55. It may not be popular but it makes sense. Why destroy green fields or historic buildings to save some empty houses which will now probably be demolished anyway to provide a folly, a road to nowhere? Fair play to the protesters who did not want the widening on their doorstep. No one would but this does not mean it is not needed. There are also certain people who now have a vested interest in taking attention away from the A494 so why not bring up the Flint bypass?! Great smoke screen - wrong solution!
Fri Sep 19 09:18:25 2008

Charles Ley
Just a reminder that the History Club meet in the Library on Friday 26th September, this month speaker will be on the orgins of Rhyl. On sale will be the first ever edition of the Flint History Club Calendar. Well worth buying for yourselves, and all your friends especialy thoes who have left Flint.
Fri Sep 19 09:12:57 2008

Nick, Webteam
The Evening Leader wants your views on the suggestion that the Flint Bypass plans - drawn up in the '90s - could be back on the cards after the proposals to widen the A494 up to the A55 were thrown out.
Thu Sep 18 11:39:38 2008

Alien, Flint
I recently suffered an injury to my leg and having failed miserably to get an appointment to see my GP, I attended the new hospital at Holywell as they have a minor injuries unit. The building is new and seems to run efficiently. I was attended to within 10 minutes of arrival and the nurse who looked after me was so caring and professional, she even rang me at home to ensure that I had follow up treatment arranged. I believe that the Cottage Hospital at Flint offers a minor injury service albeit without X-ray facilities. I think a town the size of Flint deserves to have a decent local hospital. Whether they retain the current building or build a new hospital is open to debate but I do agree with Harry Pie that Glan Clwyd is no longer fit for purpose.
Thu Sep 18 11:12:09 2008

Marigold, Flint
I work in one of those shops on Flint retail park and I can tell you there are some very good shops there. The park is busy most days.
Thu Sep 18 08:13:21 2008

Harry Pie, Flint
I believe that shortly the closure of the cottage hospital will be back on the menu. They have just built a new facility in Holywell and part of this provides it is said enough space for the patients in Flint. The excuse is that the building is old though obviously structurally sound. The building is indeed old but it is clean and the standard of care is excellent. Glan Clwyd is a much newer structure nowhere near as well built with poor care standards and absolutely minging. (I write with recent personal experience) There are no such problems at the cottage I,m pleased to say but they are hell bent on closing it.
Wed Sep 17 10:43:34 2008

Harry Pie, Flint
To Chris, the tennis courts at Cornist were at one time part of Cornist Hall along with a small putting green and the old outdoor swimming pool. This was all owned by the council until at least 1985. The hall was sold, I believe, to the owners of the The White House restuarant in Rhuallt and I think is still in private hands. It was around this time or shortly after that that the courts and the green fell into disrepair. It's a real shame they did. I don't know if they are still disused. I haven't been up that way for a while.
Wed Sep 17 10:27:21 2008

Alien, Flint
Eric Duke - I agree with your views re 'corridors of power.' This is what happens when you have a politically top heavy administration. This, of course, has been reflected nationally when politicians ride rough shod, disregarding, or not even consulting the people they represent. I am a great supporter of peaceful protest and our democratic right to be heard. Look at what happened in Mexico where people took to the streets to march against crime and lawlessness. As our police force's slogan says 'dyna ddigon ' (that's enough) maybe it's time that that the weary people of the town say enough is enough and fight back.
Tue Sep 2 09:39:17 2008

Chris Hyndman
Can anyone tell me who owns the tennis courts at the top of Cornist Park? I have been asking around and think that this may be another grey area.
Tue Sep 2 08:57:07 2008

Harry Pie, Flint
The car park to the west of the castle was when I drew the plans in the '80s part of the Castle Park enterprise zone which was "given" to Delyn Borough Council. It was then part of the bund surrounding the the access road. I think there's a more than decent chance that ownership now lies with Flintshire County Council.
Re squash courts, I agree with previous comments - it is a massive own goal. Flint had better sporting facilities than most other comparable towns. There will always be a minority of families whose kids are left unchecked for whatever reason (usually drink or drugs). It's not easy bringing up children in today's pc world. What do the social services do for their above average salaries? Firstly, it is the parents' responsibility but where there are problems at home what should be done? Perhaps hit the parents in the pocket. But there are some who don't care because they are on state hand outs. Maybe stop these if criminality is proven? Would this result in more crime? I don't know the answer.
Tue Sep 2 08:53:55 2008

Eric Duke of Flint
Chris Hyndham - suggest you talk to County Council and/or Town Council re land ownership if you have not done already. Leisure Centre - think you will find out this was a decision carried out by Labour run County Council before they lost power last May. So blame them but people of Flint did have opportunity last May to get rid of Flints County Coucillors who were in on this, but felt that all bar one still met their needs despite other options. Too much has gone on in Flint over the past years with no questions asked or opportunity even given. Let's hope all this interest on this page means Flint will improve with people getting behind local action groups etc and telling the old guard of politicians enough is enough. New to this discussion page - keep it up and continue the shouting in the corridors of power.
Mon Sep 1 12:14:03 2008

Chris Hyndman
Can anyone shed any light on who is in ownership of the car park to the west of Flint Castle? I have carried out a bit of detective work but, acting on the ambiguous nature of the information I have received so far, it is a big grey area.
Thu Aug 21 18:28:07 2008

Quimby off Fflint
After reading some of the latest comments made in this forum I feel the need to air some of my views on the town's current situation. Getting rid of the squash court is a massive mistake - especially for a youth club. The council already got rid of a valuable resource in the nursery they shut a few years ago. Flint already has loads to do compared with other Flintshire towns - I grew up in Flint and found loads to do as a teenager without getting in bother. We have a decent sports centre, skate park, footy and rugby clubs, golf courses, play schemes, and a wide range of activities going on in the schools' extra curricular. The main problem with anti social behaviour is the parents of these yobbos. Parents should be busting a gut to push their kids in the right direction not let them wander around at 10pm at night getting bored and therefore in trouble.
Thu Aug 21 09:28:19 2008

Alien
Adding something to the debate regarding the youth question. I frequently take a stroll along the path by Flint Castle and I see many youngsters training on the rugby pitch. Carefully supervised by adult trainers, they seem to be having a good time whilst expending excess energy. There is another side to the coin and well done to those people who give their time to nurture these youngsters. Who knows some of the allegedly rowdy youths may find some healthy outlet for their energies in the Sports Centre.
Sat Aug 16 15:13:33 2008

Harry Pie, Flint
Jamie you must be young. Go to the average council meeting and you'll hear much worse that than those comments which, by the way, are founded on over twenty years of dealing with councillors and elections. It's called free speech - the only people against that are communists, fascists and the people that are currently running the show. By the way several of my posts have not been published which shows the BBC thought them inappropriate in some way. Let the people have a say. I'm not against a youth club, I'm against losing a top class facility such as the squash courts and probably putting more people off using the other facilities for fear of the youths of the town however unfounded it may be. Even if your dad's a councillor you've got to admit it's a dull move and undemocratic to boot.
Sat Aug 16 15:12:57 2008

JARO
I completely agree with Alien, Harry Pie was in no way abusive. I love reading the debates on this site - I have also noticed that people of Flint put more effort and a lot more topics of debate than any of the other local towns. As regards the Youth Club, if my memory serves me right, it was a no go area for kids back in the '80s! Half the time you had to walk on the other side of the road, for the abusive comments off the so called "hard lads" who hung around the youth club, so basically it's not changed in over 25 years. I can hardly believe that the youth club would still be running let alone standing! I do agree that a place is needed for the youth, but are we catering for the rebel youth, who do not appreciate anything done for them. What about the decent kids (and there are still a few), for somewhere for them to go without the fear of being forced out by "the bigger boys" (and girls)!
Thu Aug 14 08:42:55 2008

Sue, Flint
Peter, Flint posting July 28. I accept your comments and your message seems to be 'do not tar everyone with the same brush'. The problem is times have changed - on Monday 12 August a bill was passed through parliament saying that anyone caught with an offensive weapon would be penalised with 12 weeks imprisonment (this does not apply to people under 18). Knife crime is on the increase whether we like it or not but I do accept your point.
Wed Aug 13 13:37:50 2008

Alien, Flint
Jamie Flint, I do not think that the comments made by Harry Pie were abusive. We live in a democratic society and enjoy freedom of speech and long may that last. Councillors know that when they hold office they will be subjected to criticism and the occasional swipe. However as someone who has no strong feelings about the Youth Club issue it has certainly livened up the debate on the Town talk.
Tue Aug 12 11:17:40 2008

off Flint
Can't we start a petition to stop the council moving the youth club to our sports centre? How do we go about starting one?
Mon Aug 11 14:10:20 2008

Jamie Flint
I cannot believe how rude Harry Pie is. He had a chance to stand at the recent elections so why didn't he stand instead of moaning constantly on the internet? It is astonishing how the cloak of anonimity the internet gives allows people such as Mr Harry Pie to be as abusive as they want without recourse. Can I suggest to the BBC that people should register to use this comments page and the more abusive comments should be weeded out.
As someone who has used the Youth Club I think it's great that the councillors and Flintshire County Council want to improve facilities for youth in the town. I look forward to the new Youth Club opening.
Mon Aug 11 14:09:24 2008

Sue, Flint
Harry Pie. An independent was recently elected to the Oakenholt ward following the debacle about the new housing estate. According to the local press, once elected, she was asked to reconsider her views. What is this all about? I do not know enough about the leisure centre issue to comment but I have to say why take current facilities away from people? Both of these issues smack of unfairness.
Mon Aug 11 14:07:59 2008

Harry Pie
I agree with Mickey Dint but we are all to blame, these people of very low intelligence and even lower levels of common sense (some people refer to them as councillors) are not fit to run the town. My cross is definitely going in a different box at the next opportunity. Trouble is the choice is limited and it is very difficult for an independent who does not toe the party line to make any difference. The unfortunate truth is the people's opinion does not matter and the people are unable to change the system, the hierachy will not let them anyway.
Thu Aug 7 17:14:13 2008

Paul Longstaff from Flint
How many kids use the youth club? The last time my son went he was back at home within fifteen minutes as there were only two other kids in there! Is it really worth it! Surely we should be improving the sports facilities not moving them out of the town?
Wed Aug 6 16:51:34 2008

Micky Dint
That snippet of information has basically regurgitated the information that has already been posted on here and does not answer the questions that I (and I suspect others) want to know, such as; • Who was consulted about moving the Youth club to the Pavilion (i.e. local neighbourhood, users of the pavilion)? • Who was consulted about removing the excellent facilities already in situ (i.e. sports men/women who use them)? • What contingency plan do you have in place when (not if) vandalism is rife and facilities are damaged? • Have the police bought into the idea that there will be a large group of youths in this one area at any one time and have they given their support? • What affects do you think this will have on trade in the Pavilion? • What support are you giving to staff and customers in the Pavilion with regards to putting up with the reckless behaviour and verbal abuse? • The area was once notorious for bad behaviour and several attacks have happened outside the pavilion. There has been a great improvement mainly due to the dispersion of the youths from the area, why encourage them back? I am not going over the top with this. I don't buy into the idea that kids will be kids; these little monsters DO NOT understand the notion of common sense. Rob Edwards, be aware that Flint folk will no longer tolerate being held to ransom by the youths of this town. You read the papers, you know the culture of today's youth, and you know what misery it brings, now it's over to you to justify the reasoning behind this decision.
Wed Aug 6 11:01:25 2008

Flintshire County Council
Rob Edwards, Flintshire County Council's County Youth and Community Officer: 'A site within the Pavilion Leisure Centre in Flint has been identified as a suitable location for a new Youth and Community Centre facility. This will require some alterations to the site, which include the conversion of the squash courts area to an Activity Hall. The new hall will be available to the Youth Service and to Leisure Centre customers during specific hours. Officers from the Council's Leisure Services Team will be working to accommodate the requirements of squash players at other facilities within the County. The creation of a new Youth Centre within the Town Centre of Flint will provide a facility that is integrated with the neighbouring skate park, and will provide a service which is accessible to all young people living in Flint.'
Mon Aug 4 14:23:58 2008

Harrius Pius
I would like to congratulate the staff of Flint Cottage Hospital. The cleaners do a marvellous job the place is spotless and the nursing staff are proper nurses, they care for their patients. An elderly relative of mine is there now and she is really being cared for well after being transferred from Glan Clwyd which is filthy and manned by nurses who perhaps are not in the right career. Congratulations to the the staff at the cottage that's how a hospital should be. Closing this facility would be a massive own goal.
Mon Aug 4 11:25:56 2008

Flinty
Come on councillors you have been challanged to speak out about the leisure centre youth club stand up and be counted and say who ever voted for the move or are you going to hide again whenever there is something controversial going on?
Mon Aug 4 10:49:25 2008

Sue, Flint
Harry Pie. I too am surprised to see mention of the old chestnut the Flint by-pass. Where has this idea emerged from again? At the moment Flint seems to be doing OK with new supermarkets and hopefully trade will pick up for the local shops. It really makes me mad that decisions are made for us without consultation and the only redress is to petition like the Aston residents when the schemes are nearly cut and dried. I am not against progress at all and can see traffic problems are increasing all over North Wales but surely the aim should be to encourage shoppers to small towns. I do not think the by-pass is neccessary but if it does come I think to join the A55 at Northp Hall would be a good idea!
Mon Aug 4 10:48:47 2008

Harry Pie
My previous comment was not printed but I also have to agree that the council are ill advised to have the youth club in the pavillion but to actually remove an excellent facility such as the squash courts in order to do so proves several things 1. They are completely out of touch. 2. They are determined to ruin the facility maybe even close it. 3. The decision makers don't give a monkeys for the people of Flint. 4. We the people of Flint need better representation in the county council, we are always the poor relations and forever undersold. And finally 5. we need better policing if people are being harassed or intimidated at a major public facility. Maybe the law has to be changed to allow the police to give the yobs a slap or two.
Mon Aug 4 10:47:36 2008

Micky Dint
Well Flintshire County Council, you have certainly outdone yourself this time! I am all for optimistic thinking, but locating the youth club in the Pavilion takes it to a whole new level! I visit the Pavilion at least twice a week and I can guarantee that 90% of the time there are youths outside either smoking, swearing, pretend wrestling, snogging or biking around the entrance (I'm yet to see all 5 at once but that day will come). Once inside the foyer you have more of the imps giving cheek to the staff on duty in the cafe or behind the desk. Then, every so often, we have the pleasure of a few running in or out of the sports hall/squash courts intent on disturbing the activities of the paying public. This is undoubtedly a problem which I guess is mirrored across Flintshire, Wales and the United Kingdom as a whole. With the councillors knowing this (I take it they have visited the Pavilion before taking this decision) I find it incredible that firstly, they tolerate the abuse the staff and customers face, and secondly they have actually encouraged more of the same behaviour by inviting trouble makers down to the facility. Have you seen the mess they made of the last club they had! Have you seen the mess the youths have made of every other facility they have been given access to (Scout hut, Bike park, numerous play areas, the Castle). I challenge any councillor who had a hand in making this decision to come up with a valid argument as to why one of the very few remaining jewels in Flint's crown should surrender itself to the youth of Flint who are hell bent on turning the town into a ghetto. This web site is as good a media as any to respond to my challenge and it also makes good reading if you want to hear the voice of Flint people whose lives you affect with your decision making.
Fri Aug 1 13:49:43 2008

Off Fflint
Which fool has come up with the idea of putting the youth club in the sports centre? Am guessing some idiot sitting behind a desk in Shire Hall (Mold) has come up with this one. Try getting off your lazy behind and ask the people of Fflint if they think putting the youth club in the sports centre is a good idea. Maybe they should come and work in the sports centre of a evening and see what the kids get up to. The sports centre staff are given a hard time by all the yobs that sit in the cafe and make it a no go area for the older people of Fflint...I support everything Man of Leisure has said!
Fri Aug 1 09:51:32 2008

M from Flint
Re Man of Leisure - yes totally agree - absolutely ill thought out action by the council but regret a u turn is unlikely - the Pavillion is a leisure Sports centre.
Fri Aug 1 09:49:51 2008

Harry Pie
I see the right honourable member for blowing his own trumpet wants the Flint by pass back on the agenda. What a great idea - I think it should take the inland route joining the A55 at Northop Hall, after all if it goes along the coast it will just create a bottleneck at Greenfield. I wonder if it would have an affect on the town's economy? I think people may tell you there's a bit of passing trade at the retail park, I know there are many caravan owners who use Netto etc and day trippers who stop off at Mcdonalds. Traffic doesn't seem that bad except when there's roadworks. Come to think of it why do we need it and why do we need someone from out of town telling us we do?
Fri Aug 1 09:23:32 2008

Man of Leisure
I am appalled about the plans to re-locate the town's youth club to the pavillion leisure centre after the original building fell into disrepair and closed at the beginning of July. Not only are they re-locating the youth club to the Pavillion (effectively making this a no-go area for people who do not wish to be intimidated by the same mob who made the top of Borough Grove their patch) but they are actually going to knock down the squash courts to accommodate it. Why penalise the people of Flint and the surrounding area by making us travel elsewhere to enjoy a bit of sport? It seems that the more of a problem you become, the more the council do to butter you up at the expense of the citizens who have never been a problem. Once again it is the good folk of Flintshire who are penalised by the behaviour of the ever increasing gang of yobs in our towns! One of the reasons the original youth club fell into such a state was that the people attending there hung around after hours and wrecked the place! Do we want to see this happening to our Pavillion?
Thu Jul 31 13:08:09 2008

Alien, Flint
I noticed that yet another fair has arrived in Flint, this time near the leisure centre. There was a fair in Northop Road two months ago. Does Flint need another fair? I feel sorry for the young parents who must be feeling the pinch of the increasing cost of living that they will feel pressurised to visit the fair and with the rides being so expensive I wonder whether the fair is welcome. Am I being a miserable old fuddy duddy? What do others think about this?
Thu Jul 31 09:57:31 2008

Peter, Flint
Sue, Flint. As a child in the 60s I, and my friends, would carry a pen knife and as a teenager I would carry a dagger in a sheath attached to my belt but that was only because we used to play in the fields and woods and carve our names on trees or "whittle" a piece of wood. There was never anything sinister about it.
Mon Jul 28 10:38:18 2008

Tickle Mouse, Flint
In my opinion the best night in Flint is Jam Night in the Cornist Hall, held every other Friday. The Heavy Feathers are ace and the lead singer is one coooool dude! Be there or be square.
Fri Jul 25 12:51:03 2008

Micky Dint
RE: Concerned.
I think all the posts on this subject have been spot on and the thinking behind them very grounded, unlike the governments ideas on how to reduce knife crime. Their proposal is overlookng a couple of things, firstly, what on earth makes them think that a stab victim would want to be visited in the first place! Wouldn't this just be adding fuel to the flames when it comes to repairing the mental scars that this crime leaves behind once the physical ones have been treated? Secondly, they have painted a wonderful picture of the victims of knife crime going to hospital, getting fixed up and then chatting to offenders. What about highliting the fact that only the very lucky ones end up in hospital and the rest end up in a pine box!
Thu Jul 17 13:16:57 2008

ELEANOR TATLER ,OFF FLINT
What on earth is going on in the maisonettes now? Scaffolding everywhere but no-one knows why. How good of the council to tell us. Just repairs they said. What though? Is the place going to fall down when we are asleep? Is there a leaky roof? Please tell us! We pay rent to live there.
Thu Jul 17 08:42:18 2008

Concerned, Flint
I think a big problem lies with the politicians never having experienced life at this level. An awful lot of them come from schools where there are no problems and here lies their problem. How can you fix things if you don't know how they work in the first place? What on earth is the idea of visiting stab victims in hospital all about? You ask the youths who are commiting these crimes and they would laugh, probably treat it as a day out. The government would also probably pay for their dinner and a few fizzy pops while out on the jaunt. The only way to stop it is short sharp shocks (or long ones in the case of some!) until it hits home that this is not acceptable. Ask the people who know - not the people who don't!
Thu Jul 17 08:34:51 2008

Harry Pie
Totally agree with the previous 4 comments but how can we change a generation of spoiled kids and our politically correct system which discriminates against all the values it should protect like honesty, hard work and discipline? Well, at least they'd get the second two if they did national service. This government appears to have lost the plot but what is the alternative?
Thu Jul 17 08:33:51 2008

Micky Dint
RE Concerned
What is happening now is that we are reaping the rewards of living in a time when the unsmacked generation have now grown up and are causing havoc. These youths have never been disciplined with a clip around the ear 'ole like past generations. The amount of kids that are of school age that walk past my house in the early hours of the morning each weekend makes me wonder what type of people their parents are! We are living in worrying times where it will only be a matter of time before decent folk will say enough is enough and will fight fire with fire, and we all now who will get the custodial then, don't we.
Wed Jul 16 09:16:12 2008

Alien, Flint
Concerned - You are not on your own in your concerns about what is happening in Flint but perhaps we should all be asking the question 'What is happening to our country'? I think it will take a brave politician to come along with some radical solutions to the youth problem and I agree with you, National Service has to be the answer. Visiting stabbing victims in hospital is a ludicrous idea! Typical of the politicians to think that sticking a plaster on a gaping wound solves a problem.
Wed Jul 16 09:08:30 2008

Sue, Flint
Re concerned Flint. In my youth you would never consider carrying a knife or any weapon. In fact, you would be penalised if you did such a thing. I think you are totally right in blaming the government for this situation we are in now. Maybe the old rules should be in place which, if I remember, were that if you carried an offensive weapon you paid the consequences - a court appearance. The recent rulings which suggest offenders visit victims in hospital would seem to be a way forward - I think not! The only way to combat this problem is to go back to the old rules. Yes, I do accept there are a lot more social and ecconomic problems these days but so there were all those years ago - in fact, people were poorer!
Wed Jul 16 08:58:53 2008

Concerned, Flint
What on earth is happening to our town and those youths who are hell bent on making decent folks' lives a nightmare? In yesterday's Evening Leader yet another report of an incident involving a knife. Who is running our country? Why do we pay them their nice big salaries with second homes and big cars ferrying them here, there and everywhere? Can't the Prime Minister sort it out so that anyone found carrying a knife automatically gets 1-3 years National Service? Maybe a good stint in Afghanistan or Iraq will make them think twice because at the moment a 12 month supervision order or 100 hours litter picking is frankly laughable. As I write this I can hear police sirens yet again. It used to be the ice cream van...
Tue Jul 15 08:28:40 2008

Brother of Flint
To Anon, I totally agree with you there are to many superstores in Flint as well as fast food joints and that is why everybody is getting obese. I think it's time for a big change in how we look at ourselves and our children because they are our future.
Wed Jul 9 15:26:26 2008

Music Lover, Flint
I have to congratulate Flint Town Council on their initiative by arranging a concert during the Flint Festival Week which featured the Cambrian Philharmonic Orchester in a Last Night of the Proms theme. The music was wonderful and was matched by the enthusiasm of a very appreciative audience. A fantastic night's entertainment. I have heard that the orchestra will be in Flint again for next year's festival and I would encourage all music lovers not to miss it, and please encourage your children/grandchildren to go also. What a treat, well done councillors!
Wed Jul 9 11:01:04 2008

Brother of Flint
To Jane Owen of Hastings New Zealand. Hello and you are right. Thought I would let you know.
Thu Jul 3 08:38:31 2008

Anon
Why does Flint need so many food stores? Somerfield, Netto, Tesco, Sainsburys, Co-Op, Farm Foods, Iceland & maybe Aldi coming, what is the need for them all? Same goes for fast food. Off the top of my head I can count 6 Chinese chippies, 2 chippies, 3 pizza/kebab house, 1 fried chicken place, 2 Indian, 1 McDonalds. Flint just seems to be made up of food places. No wonder Britain is becoming obese!
Wed Jul 2 08:54:19 2008

Harry Pie, Flint
Does anyone remember Harry's stall on the market just behind Bertie Lambs? He used to juggle plates and quite often drop them whilst giving it the "I'm not asking 2 quid I'm not even asking £1.50 these are yours for ten bob, SMASH!" I also remember buying records and being served by Jason Starr no less and chips from Jonty's. It would be great to have the market back but we the locals would have to support it as well as those passing through.
Wed Jul 2 08:26:13 2008

J off Flint
I remember many (many) years ago going to the market on a Friday with my mum. We bought our fruit and veg, curtain material, wool, hair ribbons, buttons, biscuits and sweets. Sometimes she'd buy household things like bedding, and sometimes she'd buy me some clothes from there too. Then on the way home we'd get fish and chips from Bessie Bibby's.
Tue Jul 1 08:16:29 2008

M from Flint
Son of Albert Avenue re Market. Although markets are in decline in Britain I like the idea you suggest but it would be better on a Sunday in the Church Street with the street closed to traffic - this would enhance trading within the town as well as on the shopping park (which is now very busy). The Flintshire Council would be unlikely to grant permission on a Saturday as it would affect the Mold market. Flintshire have always been quick to protect Mold interests even at the expense of some of the bigger towns in Flintshire.
Mon Jun 30 08:15:12 2008

Son of Albert Avenue
This town needs the market back. Make it Saturday when the not inconsiderable amount of caravan owners/holidaymakers at Presthaven/Talacre et al make their way down the coast and advertise it. Anybody want to invest in this great idea?
Fri Jun 27 07:56:42 2008

Lloyd, Flint
Can anyone give any positive feedback on local health services especially doctors as I strongly suspect that services are going down hill fast. I for one pay a lot of tax for malingerers and hypochondriacs to get their free tablets, and for hospitals not to be cleaned and for doctors not to call and for the emergency services to be used wrongly as an out of hours service and for somone to diagnose an illness without seeing it (on the end of a phone) and for a large number (not all) of NHS staff to stand around talking about the holidays I kindly paid for them. Rant over!
Wed Jun 25 08:47:29 2008

M from Flint
Re Peter Micklebottom - I agree with you that the houses boarded up outside Somerfield are an eyesore and need to be demolished. I cannot believe with Aldi coming soon as well as the recently opened Sainsbury providing competion that Somerfield have not acted to at least retain if not gain more custom by extendng their car park and enhancing the appearance more. They obviously know better.
Wed Jun 25 08:43:04 2008

Peter Micklebottom
I hope the new Sainsbury's brings in the volume of shoppers that the town needs. I just hope they do not drive past the eyesore which is the Somerfield houses which have been empty for several years whilst they wait to build a car park on the site. With so much interest in the new Sainsbury's shop, I doubt if the building of the Somerfield car park would be prudent.
Tue Jun 24 08:27:44 2008

M from Flint
Re Harry Pie / Aldi - I understand his concerns but I have checked the website and Hargreaves have built and contracted to build a number of Aldi stores throughout the UK - the Flint one is still listed as one of them.Re Sainbury - it is great - hope it brings lots of people into the town and other traders especially local ones get some benefit.
Mon Jun 23 09:11:35 2008

Alien, Flint
Now that Sainsbury's have opened what do subscribers think of it. Any moans? Any good points? It would be interesting to know what the townsfolk think of the changes.
Fri Jun 20 09:48:42 2008

Sue, Flint
I totally agree with Debsdad regarding the flats and maisonettes - we live in a wonderful part of North Wales with views of both sea and countryside. It is about time people appreciated what we have got and not moaned about what could be had. I do not live in either of them but have been in both and would like to say that the people who live in them are proud of their individual homes and rightly so!
Thu Jun 19 08:06:41 2008

Debsdad Flint
I have never read such a load of balderdash concerning the maisonettes and flats in my 87 years on this earth. Flint is a wonderful town, the flats are just marvellous and I live in one. The people who live in them are all of the elderly pattern and are very happy to be where they are. The views from my window are across the Dee towards the Wirral and I look out over the tops of the maisonettes and they do not look an eyesore to me.
I agree that a DIY store is definitely needed but we did have one once and they had to close through lack of support from the "locals". Some people will find something to grumble at wherever they live. I am proud to be here and will never move away.
Wed Jun 18 08:46:26 2008

Harry Pie, Flint
Just being a nosey parker as usual but can't help noticing that the Aldi development is now "Hargreaves for a Change". Does anyone know what's going on there? The only Hargreaves that I've heard of are builders from down south (I don't think it's them) or a surf wear company and I can't recall many surfers on Hall's Gutter.
Regards H Pie, member of a large family. Father was a shepherd mother was called Apple, and sister Gala. Well known around Flint.
Tue Jun 17 08:36:38 2008

Stephen Jones
Harry Pie, are you named after Harry Kershaw? S.
Mon Jun 16 08:20:47 2008

NN
Anonymous, what cheap housing in Flint Mountain? There ain't any. On the topic of the maisonettes and the flats, yes they need working on but answer me this; if you knock them down where are you going to house the people that live there? There isn't another way of housing that many people. Inside they are quite big. And they are very warm with little need for heating. My only prob is that I can hear everything my neighbours do but other than that they're quite a good place to live. They just don't look that pretty.
Fri May 30 08:36:30 2008

Eleanor Tatler, off Flint
The maisionettes should be demolished ASAP, they look an eyesore, they are just a mess of crumbling concrete. I think that not only for the good of the residents of the maisionettes who deserve a decent home to live in, but also for the impression that these disgusting buildings give to the rest of the world. These maisionettes are built on what is now THE MAIN ROUTE to Mostyn docks, used by trucks from all over the world. What must these people think of Flint when this is the first sight they see when they enter our town? Come on you officials, save the good name of our town, and give us a decent home to live in.
Tue May 27 09:27:08 2008

Harry Pie
I think I'm right in saying that drugs such as cocaine are illegal in the same way that driving a car after drinking alcohol is. Why don't the police drug test people if they have a valid reason (ie they are behaving agressively or in an antisocial way) and fine them heavily for it in the same way somebody would get fined for being drunk and disorderly? If they won't say where they're getting the stuff from - double the sentence. They may not reveal their supplier but might think twice about using again.
Mon May 19 12:37:40 2008

Alien
As someone who does not frequent pubs I must admit that I felt quite sad when I passed a local inn one night. A solitary drinker was sitting outside under a canopy of some sort (presumably the smoking area) in the pouring rain. Perhaps that is another reason why people are staying at home. I just get the feeling that things are not quite how they used to be!
Mon May 19 09:00:45 2008

M from Flint
Re Maisonettes, after an aborted attempt to redevelop the Maisonettes two years ago - due in no small part to the council not taking the correct advice on the grant aplications to assist with the funding - they are apparently now back on the agenda. A develpment company are apparently submitting some new proposals. Something needs to be done - they need replacing urgently and not totally at the ratepayers' expense. I hope this will rectify the errors of the 1960s and provide better accommodation but at the same time maintaining the community.
Mon May 19 08:48:11 2008

Quimby, Flint
I have to agree with Brian, this does seem to be a major issue. I went out a few weeks back on a Friday and went in the George - 2 other people in there - both hammered or something. Most other pubs were dead. Pity Wetherspoons didn't get the Post Office. Cheap prices may have attracted more folk out then made the pubs more competitive. Not many people stay in a Wetherspoons pub all day because of the lack of entertainment. Look what's going on in Mold (most of Flint are up there weekends!).
Wed May 14 08:50:06 2008

Brian Leighton, Barnsley
I must admit I love Flint but have just moved to Barnsley. Over the years I have lived all over the place, but I always come home sooner or later. It's in your blood, but in recent years, I have noticed changes there, coming back and to, you notice things more than if you lived there, as it just happens, you don't take much notice do you? But to come home after a while you say 'look at that, that wasn't there last time' etc...but the night life has deteriorated over the years as prices in the pubs soar. The Dee for one is expensive, keeping the average man in the house, buying cans from the supermarkets, so the pubs are empty. I have played guitar in them all over the years and never seen the town so dead, and the youngsters now are all fighting in the street after their sniff of cocaine which is now free to buy - tell me if I'm wrong. No wonder people stay in. No one wants to see 5 or 6 lads coming out of the toilet at the same time, I've seen it. In my opinion the night time in Flint is now over.
Tue May 13 08:22:30 2008

Flint dweller
Re Harry Pie. Some of the people who live in the maisonettes are great, I am asking why they have been left to get into the state they are in now? The council are to blame, let's hope the new council will make a better job than the last one.
Tue May 6 08:24:09 2008

Nick, Web Team
Tonight's Evening Leader says JD Wetherspoon has confirmed they've withdrawn proposals for the £1.2m transformation of the empty Post Office building on Church Street, Flint.
Tue Apr 29 14:17:33 2008

Harry Pie, Flint
Let me ask you a question, the old garage that is now an Aldi site. How did they deal with the asbestos cement sheets that clad the walls and the roof?
Wed Apr 23 08:21:31 2008

Harry Pie, Flint
Re maisonettes, I don't think anybody is being critical about the people who live in the maisonettes, far from it I was brought up 'below the line'. My point would be that these buildings are not designed for long term habitation and many like them across the country have been demolished. I don't think there's any danger of them being demolished however since public money would be required and that's all being wasted in Cardiff and Westminster.
Wed Apr 16 09:19:57 2008

Alien
Paul - Two new supermarkets in Flint is good news for the town. The business they generate will hopefully attract other retailers into town - including a DIY store. Competition benefits consumers!
Mon Apr 14 09:26:03 2008

Flint resident
Re maisonettes in Flint. There is nothing wrong with the place. Some decent people live in them - do not class them all the same. The place has been let down by the council, not doing their job. The housing officers are just sitting around, doing nothing. They just need to take a walk around the estate and see for themselves how the rot has set in, rubbish everywhere - no pride, cars driven on to the estate, council turning a blind eye, rules broken. Do the council know that the maisonettes come under their control? It just doesn't stop at Castle Heights.
Mon Apr 14 09:06:52 2008

M Flint
Re Paul A new Aldi store is being built on the Garage/Geematics site.It is a shame that Focus is gone - need a store like this in town asap.
Mon Apr 14 08:41:05 2008

Paul, Flint
With work started on the Sainsbury's store in Flint, rumours are increasing that another supermarket will be built on the coast road where the telephone exchange and fire station are situated. Do we really need another supermarket? A good diy store would be a good addition to the town which seems funny as we had to lose Focus DIY store to gain Sainsbury's!
Thu Apr 10 14:13:59 2008

Teresa Corless
I don't care what anyone says about the flats, particularly Castle Heights. I have been in Castle Heights since they went up in 1974, even if I won the lottery tomorrow I wouldn't move. I find them comfortable, safe and completely suitable to my needs. We all have a right to be able to live somewhere that suits our needs.
Wed Apr 2 11:31:44 2008

Chris Hyndman
Calling all volunteers! I am organising a pile-on in the Tradesman's arms, Flint, on the 12th April 2008 at 7pm. All proceeds raised will go to a good cause and if any 1 pile on beats the current record of 24 men (set in 1992 by the Parkgate pile-on posse), then it will be free booze all around, huzzah! Should be a fun night. Remember last one there has to go on the bottom.
Tue Apr 1 14:30:39 2008

Alien, Flint
I agree with Disgruntled Over Taxed Person. Yes the healthcare appointments system in Flint are dire, however that could indeed be down to the GP's contact with the Labour government. Perhaps it is time that the good people of this town put their cross in a different box at the next opportunity?
Thu Mar 27 10:39:00 2008

Disgruntled over taxed person, Flint
How about spending the 500k on some proper healthcare in Flint, have you ever tried to get a doctor in this town? You have to be dying unless that is you are a malingerer or an alchy, if this is Labour looking after the NHS well god help us.
Wed Mar 26 11:14:40 2008

Flint bloke
As regards to my comments about the maisonettes what needs to be done with them, I would knock them down and start again but the coucil seem to be renovating each 1 as they become empty. What a waste of money, places like that just breed drug dens and people who don't want to work, is this the Flint we want to live in?
Tue Mar 25 12:58:18 2008

Mumforth Street
Perhaps some of the £500,000 that the council are to get, could be used to turn Flint's shabby-looking, high rise flats into works of art.Artists and designers could be invited to submit ideas for murals to clad the walls of the three buildings with colourful designs. The flats could be treated to a face lift that would turn them into art works to rival other large artistic structures like The Angel of the North.This would brighten up the town and, perhaps, draw visitors from around the country to view the work.
Tue Mar 25 09:55:24 2008

Prof Egg
Hi all, I am interested in the discussion on the availability of the bargain basement shops in our historic old town. Interestingly I have proven that Flint has the most amount of shops anywhere in Western Europe where no items of any substantial worth can be found. I challenged 12 volunteers to pop down to the Parade by the leisure centre with a ten pound note to see if they could pick up anything that 'tickled their fancy'. 4 came back empty handed, 2 returned with a tupperware box (various sizes), 1 with 20 clothes pegs (multi couloured), 1 with a jumbo TV remote, 2 with carpet samples (free of charge), 1 with a Teenwolf Too DVD and 1 with plastic flowers. On this basis I feel the addition of Sainsburys is essential in ridding our town of the unwanted tag of 'Town of nothingness'.
Thu Mar 20 09:01:33 2008

Harry Pie, Flint
With regard to the maisonettes, it is generally accepted that buildings such as these can cost ten times more to refurbish than demolish.
Wed Mar 19 14:15:33 2008

Flint bloke
I would just like to say that Flint does not need any more cheap stores. We have enough. It's a good thing Sainsburys is coming, plenty of jobs for local people, I hope! The retail park needed it. Flint was getting a bad name with all those cheap stores, we were getting like Shotton god forbid. I would also like to know how much the council are spending on the revamp of Flint as I think the maisonettes need something doing to them, they are an eye sore.
Wed Mar 19 09:51:57 2008

Harry Pie, Flint
How about trying to encourage the market back? A covered area in the largely unused carpark on the site of the old football ground could be constructed quite cheaply and could have several other uses, car boots etc or as a civic area in bad weather, just a thought, I don't know who owns the land.
Wed Mar 19 09:50:39 2008

Bagillt lad
What I don't undertstand is why people have been so unhappy about getting a larger store in Flint. It will save having to travel to Asda or somewere. And it is also providing 150 jobs alone in Sainsburys. Oh, and if anyone knows where to apply, let me know.
Thu Mar 13 09:11:51 2008

Shaun Edwards, Wrexham
I am a Wrexhamite by birth, but nowadays spend a lot of my time in Flint where my partner lives. Flint is not at all that bad a town to live. Amenities are plentiful (although may not provide the same range as larger places), apart from the flats, is quite picturesque and the people seem just the same as any other place. To those who will slag Flint off; I respect your opinion! Keep posting! I personally don't think Flint is as bad as many people make out. Flint Mountain is GORGEOUS! However, what is the new housing development by the bus stop?
Mon Mar 10 09:02:10 2008

Ex mountaineer
I have to agree with Anonymous, reference Flint Mountain. It is such a shame to see this once beautiful village being ripped apart. Why not flatten the primary school and build on that as well. Wake up! I don't agree with your "cheap" comments tho'. The quality maybe cheap, but the price is not.
Fri Mar 7 08:44:50 2008

Alien
I have just read something which has amused me. The local newsletter distributed by my local councillors had the rather unfortunate headline, 'Dog Owners Fouling Pavements'. Oops!
Tue Mar 4 09:15:55 2008

Bagillt lad
What people like Harry Pie and Alien are forgetting is it is not just Flint people that use the shops. I live in Bagillt but work and shop in Flint stores and, believe it or not, there are people from Rhyl and Wrexham and other places from England and Wales shopping in Flint, expecially on the retail park where the Sainsbury's is going to be.
Mon Mar 3 09:16:34 2008

Chocolate box smoker
To Albert Avenue. If you are not satisfied have you ever considered moving away from the town? Maybe Chester would suit your needs better?
Mon Jan 28 08:02:53 2008