PLANS to turn a disused railway line into a walkway and cycle path will open up work opportunities for people who cannot afford cars.

A detailed study has been given the green light by Flintshire county councillors to create a shared walking and cycling path between Saltney Junction and Mold. Part of the route will also be for equestrian use.

Officials say there will be huge environmental improvements and it will provide links for the “socially deprived” to access major employment areas.

The 10½ mile stretch ceased to be a passenger line in the 1960s.

Saltney Ferry county councillor and Saltney Town Mayor, Klaus Armstrong-Braun, said: “I’m extremely grateful the council has agreed to continue with the study.

“This is a very important scheme for the environment and for people who cannot afford the soaring cost of petrol.”

It will link in with schools and businesses along the routes so people can go to work and school.

“It’s most significant in Saltney because we’ve got the retail park so people from Saltney can go shopping on their bikes. It’s useful for Airbus workers too.

“Children from Broughton who go to St David’s High School in Saltney can use it as well.”

Mayor Armstrong-Braun added he is hopeful the scheme will eventually stretch to the Dee at Chester to enable Saltney residents to cycle into the city.

Consultants have already carried out an initial investigation and estimate the cost of the ‘Greenway’ could be between £5.8m and £13.9m – depending how many refinements are included.

The previous Labour Flintshire local authority administration secured a £500,000 investment from the Assembly Government for the scheme.