I hosted a meeting for businesses affected by the closure of the Menai Bridge with two Senedd representatives for North Wales - Sam Rowlands and Mark Isherwood MS – and the Mayor of Porthaethwy/Menai Bridge, William Love, representing the Cyngor Tref Porthaethwy/Menai Bridge Town Council. .
The feedback from businesses was clear - more practical support, better communication and action is urgently needed.
There were some great suggestions:
Actively promote - on local radio, social media and with signs - the fact that shops, bars and restaurants in both Porthaethwy and Beaumaris are open for business and still accessible despite the bridge closure – to both locals and visitors.
Provide more detail about the bridge works that are going on, how long they will take, and what the longer-term impact may be.
Free local parking and lower business rates to be considered during this difficult time.
It is now over a month since the bridge was closed and the lack of communication and support offered to date is failing local businesses and putting them at risk in already challenging times.
Thank you to all the businesses that joined the meeting.
Your feedback is important to us. I will be working with my Senedd colleagues to ensure your points are actioned.
We even finished in time for the football kick-off!
We will be holding a follow-up meeting - If you have a business that has been affected please get in touch with your comments and to join our next meeting.
