A COUNCIL has reiterated its commitment to boosting the economy of northern Anglesey despite coming under criticism for not building more business units in one of its major towns.

A member of the opposition group has written to Anglesey’s economic chief after being disappointed that no provision to build business units was included in the council’s blueprint for 2018/19 despite promising more of the kind for Llangefni and Holyhead.

Cllr Aled Morris Jones, who also raised similar concerns during a recent full council meeting, said: “We need more investment at Amlwch Industrial Estate.

“There’s a real opportunity here to ensure the benefits of Wylfa Newydd are also felt in Amlwch, and I have written to the head of economy to press the point.

“This is an opportunity we cannot miss.”

Cllr Gareth Winston Roberts, chairman of Amlwch Town Council, added: “There’s a feeling within the town council that there’s been neglect in comparison with other areas.

“Its only fair that we are given the same treatment.”

Responding to Cllr Morris Jones’ concerns last month, deputy leader Ieuan Williams said that the council was looking for suitable land in Amlwch.

He added, “While I’d concur that we need to see similar developments in Amlwch, the problem we have at the moment is a lack of available land to build around the industrial estate.

“We hope that this changes of course, but those are the circumstances we currently find ourselves in.”

Anglesey’s head of economic development pointed to the Amlwch and North Anglesey Regeration Plan as an example of the authority concentrating direct resources onto the area.

He added that he shared the frustrations of locals and supported more business units in the town.

“We are currently looking to strengthen the local economy and bring new investment into the Amlwch and North Anglesey area to create new job opportunities,” said Dylan Williams.

“To do this, we will be working closely with the community and a survey, recently undertaken by our Regeneration Team, attracted more than 450 responses from local residents.

“Once analysed, we will be discussing these findings and proposals with relevant stakeholders, including Amlwch Town Council and Twrcelyn ward county councillors, as we prepare a Regeneration Plan for Amlwch and North Anglesey.”

He added: “Amlwch is not currently identified as a strategic site within the Anglesey Enterprise Zone which makes it is difficult for us to attract funding from Welsh Government. Suitable council-owned land for developing business units is also very limited, but there are a number of privately owned key former industrial sites in the area, and we must carefully assess their future role in terms of the town’s long term regeneration.”

“I understand and share frustrations locally, and totally support creating more business units in the Amlwch area.

“This is a must – given the potential investment and opportunities which would come as a result of the proposed Wylfa Newydd development.”