More than 100 local residents attended a public meeting in Llangefni on Friday evening to discuss the ongoing disruption caused by frequent closures of the Menai Suspension Bridge, with strong support emerging for the construction of a third crossing of the Menai Strait.
The meeting, organised and chaired by Janet Finch-Saunders MS, Member of the Senedd for Bangor Conwy Môn, brought together residents, elected representatives and key stakeholders to share concerns and explore both short and long-term solutions to the challenges facing the crossings.
In a demonstration of cross-party cooperation, invitations were extended to politicians from across the political spectrum, including Helen Jenner MS and Mair Rowlands MS, Llinos Medi MP and Clare Hughes MP, Local county councillors also attended alongside representatives from North Wales Police.
Statements were read out on behalf of First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth MS, Cabinet Secretary for Transport Mark Hooper MS, UK Highways A55 Ltd and the Road Haulage Association. North Wales Police was represented by Chief Inspector Jon Aspinall.
While discussion initially focused on measures to reduce the frequency of short-term bridge closures, many attendees expressed the view that a third Menai crossing offered the most effective long-term solution.
Following the meeting, Janet Finch-Saunders MS thanked residents for their contributions and said the views expressed would help shape future discussions with government and stakeholders.
“There was clear agreement that long-term solutions are needed. Residents and businesses deserve a strategic plan that improves resilience, reduces disruption and supports economic growth across North Wales,” she said.
At the conclusion of the meeting, attendees were asked whether they supported the construction of a third Menai crossing, with the response described as overwhelmingly positive.
Janet added: “It was also encouraging to see how much residents welcomed the positive cross-party approach being taken to find a solution for the Menai crossings.”
Helen Jenner MS described the meeting as positive and constructive, highlighting the importance of cooperation between political parties, local partners and residents. She said there was a clear message from those attending that communities had grown tired of uncertainty and disruption and wanted firm answers and a credible long-term plan.
Mair Rowlands MS welcomed the opportunity to hear a wide range of views and ideas from residents, saying local communities needed both immediate and long-term solutions to improve resilience across the Menai Strait.
Ynys Môn MP Llinos Medi also praised the cross-party nature of the event, describing it as a valuable opportunity to hear directly from residents about the impact of the recent bridge closures and uncertainty surrounding the crossing.
The meeting follows growing public concern over repeated closures of the Menai Suspension Bridge and comes amid renewed discussions about improving transport resilience between Ynys Môn and the mainland.
