This is a major blow and we will make strong representations to explore alternative support funding for this scheme

Alex Aldridge, Council Leader

Flintshire County Council says without the expected funds, the scheme, to provide a bus service run like a taxi for workers, may not go ahead

The WDA wanted to expand the Deeside site in a move which could have created up to 3,000 jobs.

However, the assembly turned down the proposed expansion after it was unable to find justification for the loss of the land.

They also took into account strong opposition from local people across the border in England.

'Major blow'

Flinthsire council says the rejection has affected plans to provide a bus service to transport staff to and from the park.

The �1m from the WDA would have funded 50% of the scheme's day-to-day running costs over five years.

Council Leader Alex Aldridge said: "This is a major blow and we will make strong representations to explore alternative support funding for this scheme."

'Demand Responsive Transport' is a bus service - tailored to the needs of each travelling passenger.

The potential loss of this scheme will severely disadvantage those residents of Deeside who do not have the benefit of their own transport

Councillor Meirion Matthews

The council had already received �400,000 to buy three buses for a pilot scheme, but now say without the WDA funds, they don't have the money to run it.

Mr Aldridge said: "We have a major concern that the loss of this revenue support funding will place at risk the National Assembly's grant already awarded."

The computerised booking system can be accessed by the public via the internet or telephone.

It was due to be fully operational in the next few months.

Councillor Meirion Matthews said the project would have increased access to job opportunities.

"The potential loss of this scheme will severely disadvantage those residents of Deeside who do not have the benefit of their own transport," he said.

"It will deny them access to one of the regions' major employment areas."

The WDA says it will be discussing the matter with Flintshire council.