The Closure of the Menai Bridge

Part of 1. Questions to the First Minister – in the Senedd at 1:30 pm on 6 December 2022.

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Photo of Rhun ap Iorwerth Rhun ap Iorwerth Plaid Cymru 1:30, 6 December 2022

(Translated)

Thank you for that response. There's no doubt that the closure of the bridge has had a negative impact on business. The current economic climate also impacts on how much people spend, but in speaking to business after business, when I hear of a fall of 35 or 40 per cent in trade, which is a figure that's commonly heard—for some it's even more—we obviously need to respond to this. 

I appreciate what was announced last week—free parking for example—but there is real doubt as to what impact that will have in reality, and we do need to find ways of supporting businesses directly. There are many options. One suggestion is that businesses could delay the repayment of bounce-back loans to the bank of Wales, and that's something that could be considered. But, certainly, we need some model of direct support. The county council is considering the results of a survey on the impact on business, but will the First Minister give a commitment to turning that data into action, and to do that as soon as possible, because there are some who fear that some businesses will not survive unless that happens?