Welsh Government will pay £3m a year to cover loss of toll income

While abolishing the tolls has been touted for some time, Pembrokeshire County Council had been waiting for a formal written grant offer from Cardiff to ensure the loss of toll revenue would be covered.

Cllr Paul Miller told cabinet today (Monday, March 11) that written confirmation had now been received, subject to detailed agreement of terms, for an offer of £3million a year, to be reviewed in 20 years.

Cllr Miller, the cabinet member for  economy, tourism, leisure and culture added he was "very pleased to finally report some tangible progress."

A one off payment for the cost of removing toll booths and staffing changes was also agreed, with statutory notices to be issued to those affected.

Council leader Cllr David Simpson apologised to staff left waiting for details following the Welsh Government's unexpected announcement on scrapping the tolls in October last year.

"I'm very pleased that the tolls are going, it will be a great boost to the economy of the county.

"I'd like to thank the staff of the bridge for the work they have done over the years but I hope they understand now that our hands were tied here," he added.

Cllr Miller said: "The tolls have been an unwelcome barrier to trade in Pembrokeshire and this is a very positive development for the county."

It is planned that the tolls will be scrapped from April 1, 2019.

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Pembrokeshire COunty Council said there are 26 staff employed at the bridge.

Of the staff four have been successfully redeployed in permanent positions with the local authority and are undertaking paid training to integrate them into their roles.

Eight staff confirmed at the start of consultation that they did not wish to be redeployed and wished to have redundancy.

Some 4.5 staff will have ongoing posts with the local authority as there is still the requirement for Inspectors.