AN ANGLESEY councillor has called for Welsh Government to compensate business owners affected by the closure of the Menai Suspension Bridge.

The bridge was closed on October 21, 2022 unexpectedly, and only began to re-open to restricted loads on February 2.

This followed emergency works which began on January 5 and took four weeks to complete.

At an Isle of Anglesey Council meeting on March 9, Welsh Liberal Democrat councillor, Aled Morris Jones called for Isle of Anglesey County Council to make the case that many business owners had suffered a loss of trade, putting the future of their firms at risk, and deserved compensation.

But the chair ruled on advice that the amendment could not be discussed.

Cllr Morris Jones said: “Many people have lost business because of the problems with the bridge closure. They need and deserve compensation.

“Obviously, the closure was very bad news for the people directly involved but also bad news for the whole local economy.

“The town of Menai Bridge in particular was adversely affected and deserves compensation from the Welsh Government in Cardiff Bay.”

In addition, Cllr Morris Jones called for 12 months of free parking in Menai Bridge to help revitalise shopping in the town.

He added: “This is something tangible that the county council can do itself and I am very sorry that we could not debate this amendment which showed our commitment to the town of Menai Bridge.”

In response, a Welsh Government spokesperson said: “We understand the challenges facing businesses which are compounded by the cost-of-living and energy crises.

“While there is no statutory provision for compensation by the highway authority for businesses affected by road works, we have been working closely with Anglesey Council to gauge the impact of the bridge closure on businesses in the town.

“Our Business Wales service has been and still is available to assist businesses in Menai Bridge.”