HOLYHEAD is "still open for business" said the First Minister Carwyn Jones when he visited Holyhead Marina on Thursday.

He came to thank those involved in the clean-up operation, following the devastation left by Storm Emma, in March, and to announce funding support. The Welsh Government is to provide £100,000 to the Isle of Anglesey Council towards the cost of the clean up, and to ensure businesses are able to remain open and attract tourism to the area. Since the incident, an estimated 40 tonnes of polystyrene and 3000 litres of oil has been recovered from the marina and neighbouring beaches.

The First Minister said: “This will be my second visit to the marina since the devastation of Storm Emma. From day one agencies and volunteers have worked tirelessly on the clean-up.

“I am hopeful the support I am announcing today can be used by the council to support those local businesses affected, as well as to further promote tourism here and show potential visitors that Holyhead continues to be ‘open for business’ I know that this morning Holyhead is welcoming the first cruise ship of the season, the inaugural visit of the Viking Sun ship to Holyhead and to Wales. This is great news for the town and region."

Lesley Griffiths, Cabinet Secretary for Energy, Planning and Rural Affairs, said: "I hope this funding provides some reassurance to the community that every effort continues to be made to restore the marina and local environment.” Anglesey council leader, Cllr Llinos Medi, said: “Everyone from businesses to volunteers, has pulled together to tackle this terrible incident and we are working towards recovery.”