Friends of Greenfield Dock Flintshire coast beacon idea
- Published
It is hoped Greenfield will once again boast a thriving dock
A campaign group hopes to light beacons along the Flintshire coast to mark the opening of the All Wales Coast Path and the 2012 Olympic torch relay.
The idea is one of several put forward by the Friends of Greenfield Dock (FGD), which is trying to regenerate the dock and surrounding areas.
If plans go ahead, gas-powered fires would dot the Flintshire coastline.
Group secretary Pat Hadfield said it was just an idea at present but believed it could prove effective.
"We'd like beacons across the coastline, linking Greenfield Dock, Bagillt and Connah's Quay.
"We'd like them to be something permanent, that we could use again for other major functions - possibly some kind of gas canisters in metal baskets.
"It would be to mark the opening of the All Wales Coast Path, but also the Olympics, which will be at about the same time."
If the group decides to press ahead with the plans, it would need to raise funding.
The All Wales Coast Path which is due for completion in May 2012 is a scheme which aims to link 850 miles (1,367 km) of coastal walks.
Metal dragon
The group hopes the opening up of coastal paths around the area will encourage more visitors and strengthen the case for re-generation.
Situated on an industrial estate, Greenfield was once a busy dock, but is now mostly used by local fishermen with small boats.
Ms Hadfield said the group wants to erect permanent structures in the area, such as a metal dragon, and would like to transform a dilapidated old factory building into a cafe.
She said: "It's the old commissionaire's gate house.
"Ideally we would like to make it a cafe, but that couldn't be done without first making sure the entire area is free of any contamination, and is safe for the public.
"It would be lovely to see the old fishermen using the cafe and selling fresh produce from there."
Ms Hadfield said the ultimate goal was to transform the area into a successful visitors' attraction, and have Greenfield flourishing as a busy dock.
She added: "Local businesses and industries are really behind us, and the local fishermen. We're working very hard to regenerate the whole area."