Plans to improve transport links between Anglesey and mainland Wales moved a step forward yesterday after Welsh Deputy First Minister Ieuan Wyn Jones revealed the findings of a public consultation.

The three-month consultation exercise into the future of the Britannia Bridge, which carries the A55 from the mainland to Anglesey, asked the public for their views on the options for improvement. The majority of those who responded favoured a new bridge.

Speaking at the Anglesey Show yesterday, Mr Jones, said: "The A55 provides the main economic artery for North Wales and links Ireland to the European continent - its enhancement and development is essential.


"We gave the public an opportunity to have their say on the future of the Britannia Bridge and 70% have called for some form of new bridge."

He added: "I am announcing an investigation into the technical options for a new bridge and to consider the environmental issues we face. This will look into what is possible and give us some broad cost estimates."

The 12-week consultation gave the public four options: Widening the bridge; new multi span bridge; new single span bridge or taking no action.

Of the 1,000 respondents, 94% believed improvements were necessary, with 70% favouring a new bridge.

The Menai Strait was first bridged in 1829, with Thomas Telford's famous suspension bridge.

The Britannia Bridge was built by Robert Stephenson in 1850 to carry rail traffic. A road deck was added in the 1970's.

(JM)