The Welsh Government is being urged to hold an urgent review into the resilience of links between Anglesey and the mainland.
The economic future and the welfare of Island residents depends on ensuring reliable and robust links, according to Anglesey Council Leader, Councillor Llinos Medi.
Earlier this month, the Full Council unanimously backed her call for the Welsh Government to act as soon as possible.
Councillor Llinos Medi brought the Notice of Motion following the closure of the Menai Suspension Bridge due to safety risks between October 2022 and February 2023. This led to a significant impact on local businesses, communities and congestion on the Britannia Bridge. The Welsh Government also recently announced it would abandon plans for a third Menai bridge.
The North Wales Regional Leadership Board, which includes all North Wales Council Leaders and Chief Executives, and other public sector organisations has supported a review. The Board has already raised its own concerns about infrastructure issues, resilience, and access to essential services and employment with the Welsh Government.
Cllr Medi said, “I’m grateful to my fellow elected members on Ynys Môn and North Wales Council leaders for their support. The economic future and the welfare of Anglesey residents is dependent on these links. Both bridges also provide vital connectivity for the rest of the region.”
“Our situation here is unique compared to other parts of Wales as we depend on only two bridges linking us to the mainland. Recent events have shown that they are just not resilient enough and communities can be left isolated. We are therefore calling on the Welsh Government to hold an urgent review to come up with solutions that can be implemented as soon as possible.”
She added, “There is a need to ensure that the residents can live their lives from day to day - gain access to work, education, health and emergency services. Also, there’s a need to ensure an economic connection to the UK’s second busiest port in Holyhead; from a tourism perspective as well as our current Freeport application.”
Anglesey Chief Executive, Dylan J. Williams, will now be writing to the Welsh Government on behalf of the Full Council.
He said, “The Full Council’s notice of motion has also gained the support of the Gwynedd and Anglesey Public Services Board, which is charged with improving the economic, social, environmental and cultural well-being of both counties.”
“In addition to resilience and economic prosperity, ensuring robust links with the mainland is crucial in terms of Anglesey’s profile and reputation.”
Ends 20.3.23