A FLINTSHIRE town’s main shopping area will be permanently opened to traffic if the necessary funding can be found.

Drivers were given access to Holywell High Street earlier this year for the first time in more than 25 years as part of a trial aimed at boosting trade.

It was launched after a petition with more than 500 signatures was presented to Flintshire Council supporting the removal of the pedestrianisation order.

Senior politicians and town councillors have now backed proposals to make the change permanent but it will not be implemented until £800,000 worth of grant funding is found.

Speaking at a meeting at County Hall in Mold Cllr Carolyn Thomas, Flintshire Council’s cabinet member for Streetscene and countryside, said: “I find them to be a very proactive and aspiration town council and I think it’s tremendous what they’re trying to achieve.

“Because it’s been so successful Holywell Town Council has asked if we can continue with the order, but we can’t because the highway isn’t of a standard to do so.

“Working with the town council we are trying to find some funding to make this happen permanently though.

“I understand they are currently in talks with the Welsh Government to this end.”

The High Street has been pedestrianised since 1992 and only delivery vehicles were allowed to drive down it before the trial launched.

Mixed views were expressed when the changes were first introduced in May, with some business owners expressing safety concerns.

However, council leader Aaron Shotton said he understood most people in the town were now in support of the move.

He said: “I know that taking on this particular issue, which came in as a petition, opened up a very contentious issue dating back to 1992.

“I commend their bravery for reopening this particular issue and changing people’s views.

“I think traders, business owners and residents have all recognised the benefits of the temporary order.

“Of course, the challenge is to move forward to receive grant funding in order to make that a permanent fixture.”

The trial is due to finish in January and the original pedestrianisation order will need to be reinstated in the short term.