BRITAIN Remade, which campaigns across the UK to unlock jobs and economic growth, has today launched a petition calling on Welsh Government to build a third Menai crossing.

It is the latest phase of the group’s campaign for a new road connection between the Welsh mainland and Ynys Môn, which is dependent on two 19th century bridges for road access.

The launch of the petition follows a public meeting on the island last month.

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Each day, 42,000 vehicles rely on the two existing ageing bridges; but these bridges suffer from congestion, and regular closures for maintenance and in high winds.

You can support the campaign for a third Menai crossing by signing the petition here: www.britainremade.co.uk/third_menai_crossing_petition.

Last year’s temporary closure of the Menai Bridge for repairs caused traffic and economic difficulties for people and businesses in North West Wales.

But plans for a new bridge were cancelled when Welsh Government scrapped 55 road building projects on climate grounds, introducing an effective ban on any future road building in Wales.

Research carried out by Britain Remade has shown that delivering new road projects, like a third Menai crossing, can happen at the same time as tackling climate change.

The research, which looked at the impact of Westminster’s main scheme for building and upgrading Britain’s motorways and major roads, found that adding 370 miles on new roads increased CO2 emissions by just 0.1 per cent.

Sam Richards, founder and campaign director of Britain Remade, said: “Every time I speak to people on Ynys Môn I’m struck by how much people rely on the two ageing bridges linking the island to the mainland.

“People on Ynys Môn are desperate for a modern connection to mainland Wales, which has been promised for so many years.

“Not only is the lack of a 21st century bridge making life difficult for residents and businesses, it's leading to more congestion and higher emissions – while doing little to tackle climate change.

“This petition will send a clear message to the governments in Cardiff and Westminster: stop playing politics, and work together to make the lives of those who rely on the Menai crossing easier.”