Special economic zone is vital step for future of Anglesey - German

3.48.49pm BST (GMT +0100) Fri 21st Jul 2006

A former Economic Development Minister has called for Anglesey should be made a special economic zone - after it was confirmed that the Wylfa nuclear power plant will shut in 2010.

Mike German, Assembly leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats, said the special measure should be put in place to deal with the loss of a major employer on the island and in the surrounding area.

He said: "The economic impact of this closure is difficult to estimate. Of course, Anglesey Aluminium is the biggest worry as they receive their electricity direct from Wylfa. But swift action is needed now to ensure that the impact is minimised.

"The Minister should declare Anglesey a special economic zone. That's what we did with Ebbw Vale when they lost a major employer. It served as a focus to bring together all the different agencies and bodies to think seriously about how they could help the area. The scale of the problem on Anglesey is similar to that in Blaenau Gwent, and the scale of the government's reaction should be similar too.

"Doing nothing - as they have for so long - is not an option."

Mr German also encouraged the government to look at joining the electricity grids on both sides of the Irish Sea.

"An interconnector between Wales and Ireland would offer huge potential benefits to all. It would give companies like Anglesey Alumnium more options when negotiating with new power suppliers, and having an electric connection deep under the sea would also give the potential for electricity generation from wave power to be viable in the future.

Notes:

Mike German served as Minister for Economic Development (October 2000 - July 2001) during the Partnership Government.