In the Senedd today (11/1/23), Ynys Môn’s Member of the Senedd, Rhun ap Iorwerth, called on the Deputy Minister for Climate Change for a package of financial assistance to be provided to businesses affected by the closure of Menai Suspension bridge. The Ynys Môn MS also stressed the importance of keeping to the timetable given to re-open the bridge within four weeks (the emergency programme of works commenced on 5th January 2023) given the impact of the closure.
Rhun ap Iorwerth, Member of the Senedd for Ynys Môn said:
“The closure of the Menai suspension bridge, and the traffic jams on the Britannia bridge has created great inconvenience and had a significant impact on business, not only in the Menai Bridge area but across the island. I, and the County Council, are calling for further business support – we’ve already heard of one business having to make the difficult decision to close its doors permanently - that’s one too many.”
Mr ap Iorwerth also pointed to the need for an early decision on the third Menai crossing infrastructure project.
Rhun ap Iorwerth MS added:
“The experience of the past few months has proven just how vulnerable our infrastructure is in terms of the Menai crossings. Given how vulnerable the crossing is, it's clear that we need a more robust crossing, and the solution is to dual the Britannia crossing, or to erect a third crossing – that infrastructure project was agreed in 2016. Whilst I understand that we need to secure the need for new developments before they proceed, we must have an early decision from Welsh Government to ensure that resilience for the future.”