Welsh government officials have shut the Menai Suspension Bridge after a safety survey discovered bolts on beams under the crossing need replacing.

Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales, Ken Skates said: “Firstly, I want to apologise to local people. I am deeply sorry for the ongoing disruption that you are facing as work continues to remediate the bridge.

“We have explored every option to keep the bridge open safely but following this latest feedback on enforcement from UK Highways A55, who are responsible for the maintenance of the bridge, our hand has been forced to introduce a full closure. I’d like to thank the police for their support over the past 24 hours.

“I am incredibly frustrated at this latest development, and I can assure you that my officials and I are pressing UK Highways A55 for an early resolution to this issue.

“However, despite all our frustrations we must listen to the advice from engineers to ensure the safety of everyone.

“The bridge closure will remain in place until further investigations are completed in the coming days and UK Highways A55 have provided us with a safe enforcement strategy, to reopen the bridge and move forward with phase two works.”