Calls for support for local small businesses following Menai Suspension Bridge closure

Politicians and entrepreneurs have called for local small businesses to receive support following the unexpected closure of the Menai Suspension Bridge.

Authorities were forced to suddenly close the bridge, which connects Anglesey to the Welsh mainland, on Saturday after engineers discovered serious structural issues and the urgent need to replace bolts on beams under the structure.

The bridge provides a vital link to Wales’ biggest port.

Safety concerns about the bridge were first identified in 2022 and it was closed for four months. After work began in September 2023, it eventually reopened to all traffic in October 2024.

Commenting on the latest shutdown of the bridge, Plaid Cymru MP for Ynys Môn Llinos Medi said “local businesses are being particularly hit hard by repeated closures”.

She added: “Until the crossings are secured with long-term solutions, there must be a dedicated resilience fund to support businesses and communities while these vital links remain vulnerable.

“Ynys Môn deserves better than piecemeal maintenance. We need a clear resilience strategy from both Cardiff Bay and Westminster – one that secures reliable connectivity, supports our Freeport and energy ambitions, and protects this vital trade and transport route for generations to come.”

The founders of local businesses have also complained. Posting on Facebook with images of empty streets at lunchtime, Menai Deli Sandwich Bar said: “After years of on-going maintenance work on the Menai Suspension Bridge, they have now decided to close it (unexpectedly) all together without any explanation, or time frame.

“We have been left completely in the dark, without any information. Running a business in the current economic climate is difficult enough, without having to deal with this. Unfortunately, this isnt going to end well for some local businesses.”

Meanwhile, Josh Fenton from business group Logistics UK said: “The temporary closure of the Menai Suspension Bridge highlights the fragility of the UK’s ageing infrastructure and remedial works need to be carried out as quickly as possible so the bridge can reopen safely.

“All traffic between Anglesey and the Welsh mainland is now forced onto the Britannia Bridge which will cause inevitable congestion and delays on what is a key trade route between the UK and Ireland.

“There is more than inconvenience at stake: Logistics UK’s analysis shows having an HGV stuck in traffic costs the operator £1.29 per minute, and the overall cost of congestion to the UK economy in 2024 was £7.7 billion.

“The situation highlights the importance of building resilience into the UK’s supply chain, which is why the government needs to develop a freight and logistics plan to recognise the importance of strategic freight routes, and ensure they are kept open.”

The Welsh government encouraged businesses affected by the bridge closure to access support via its Business Wales service.

It said many small businesses in Menai Bridge already qualify for 100% rates relief and don’t pay non-domestic rates. During the first phase of repairs, 30 additional businesses were identified as eligible for rates relief under the retail, leisure and hospitality rates relief scheme.

Businesses which pay non-domestic rates but think they might be eligible for rates relief are advised to contact Isle of Anglesey County Council.

On Tuesday, the Welsh government said the bridge will have a partial reopening but it did not confirm the exact timings. It is expected to operate between 7am and 7pm with a full closure overnight.

During the hours of operation, the bridge will be limited to vehicles up to a three-tonne weight limit, with traffic management and a single flow of traffic off the island in the morning and onto the island in the afternoon.

Full details about the current Menai Suspension Bridge closure are here.