WALES’ most northerly town was built on industry, once sending ships to all corners of the globe as it exported copper from nearby Mynydd Parys.

But while its population once topped the 10,000 mark, economically the area is now in the doldrums following several devastating blows over recent years.

Amlwch is the Anglesey town that sits furthest away from the region’s main A55 road link, with calls being made for an ‘action plan’ to get the economically fragile communities of northern Anglesey back on their feet.

These calls are being led by community leaders following last week’s announcement of the planned closure of Amlwch’s Rehau plastics factory, which is just the latest in a line of economic blows with 104 jobs set to be lost.

Prompting calls for urgent action to support the community, the latest setback came just days after the revelation that Hitachi was pressing the “pause button” on plans for a multi billion pound nuclear plant – set to be built just six miles away in Cemaes.

It had been estimated that Wylfa Newydd could be worth more than £20m a year in wages alone to the local economy throughout its 60-year life, creating 850 permanent jobs in an area decimated economically following the end of energy production at the former Magnox reactor in 2015 and the closure of the Octel bromine works in 2005.

While about 400 people currently work for Hitachi subsidiary Horizon Nuclear Power at Wylfa and Oldbury in Gloucestershire, the vast majority will lose their jobs in March.

The number of workers at the former Magnox reactor is also expected to dwindle over the coming years as de-fuelling continues, leading to the loss of more well-paid jobs.

In view of this, the three local county councillors have come together in a cross party effort, calling on both the UK and Welsh Governments for assistance.

“Both governments need to tell us what they are doing to help us ,” said Cllr Aled Morris Jones, who has written to the First Minister seeking a meeting with members of the North Anglesey Partnership, which is made up of town and community councils.

“We want an action plan that will bring job opportunities into the area as soon as possible.

“We are actively looking for solutions. All the job creation organisations need to come together with UK government , Welsh Government and the county council to create a jobs deal for north Anglesey.”

Also calling for similar measures is the island’s MP, who would like to see a specific economic plan implemented in the area.

“The recent announcements show how vulnerable the economy is,” said Albert Owen MP.

“While the Welsh and the UK economy is also fragile with companies de-investing, the island is a periphery area and more exposed to economic shocks.”

He added, “We need a fresh economic plan for Anglesey to re-enforce existing businesses and to maximise on the future potential to provide careers and job opportunities.”

“An inclusive local jobs and economy plan is needed to dove tail into the regional North Wales Growth Deal and complement the UK’s Industrial Strategy. They need to line up and adapt to the changing situation.

“There has been great success in many sectors such as retail and tourism, but in the area of industry and manufacturing we have to acknowledge the island has to do better to retain and attract investment.

“A more inclusive plan and strategy has to be the first step.”

According to the Anglesey Council leader, officers are forming part of a Welsh Government-led working group looking at what support can be offered during this difficult time.

“I have already been in contact with Welsh Government and UK Government’s Wales Office, urging them to support an economic plan for Anglesey, with its initial focus on the North of the Island,” said Cllr Llinos Medi.

“Co-operation with both Welsh and UK Governments remains critical as both these recent announcements have hit north Anglesey hard.

“We face a lack of employment, opportunities and economic activity. I hope to see a prompt and dynamic response from Welsh Government with additional funding earmarked to support future projects which will help boost the Island’s beleaguered economy.”

According to the economy minister, meanwhile, the Welsh Government “remains committed” to investing in Anglesey’s economy and will work with the council.

Ken Skates AM added, “The strong relationships we have built across the region over many years, including with the local authority, will be crucial as we work together in response to the Wylfa Newydd and Rehau announcements and working collectively will be vital in securing the future prosperity of the North Wales economy.

“The Welsh Government will continue to do everything possible to support individuals affected by the recent announcements and we are in the process of forming a taskforce with relevant stakeholders to address the immediate employment losses, as well as reviewing future investment opportunities.”

But other ideas have also been presented, with the local AM backing the setting up of a not-for-profit energy company for Wales and basing it on the island.

Rhun ap Iorwerth, who raised a question in the Senedd on Wednesday, said, “The 104 jobs there (at Rehau) are jobs that the north of Anglesey in particular cannot afford to lose … this is an area that has suffered economic blow after economic blow.”

“In the last few weeks I have asked specifically for Welsh Government to support economic development on the island, and in particular the north following the announcements by Horizon and Rehau.

“Today I pressed Welsh Government for certainty that they will prepare resources to be able to offer Rehau support which could persuade them to develop a new product at the Amlwch plant perhaps, and I’ve asked for assurance that they will push for every option to be kept on the table.

“If it does come to the worst, I have also asked Welsh Government for assurances that they will invest heavily in re-skilling opportunities for the workers at Rehau and that no turn be left unturned in looking for alternative employment.

“The workers are concerned about the types of redundancy packages that may be available to them if it comes to that point, and I’ve asked Welsh Government for assurances that all help and support with be given to the staff at Rehau in Amlwch to ensure that they – in a company that doesn’t work with unions – are treated fairly.”