Trunk road agency says it will consider calls to bathe A55 bridge in rainbow colours

A Welsh Government agency said it is “considering” calls to bathe a well-known landmark in rainbow colours after a public clamour to honour the NHS.

The idea, mooted by a Colwyn Bay woman and formally put to North and Mid Wales Trunk Road Agency by Conwy county council, would see Rainbow Bridge on the A55 covered in rainbow colours to honour health workers fighting the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic.

Conwy council’s leader Sam Rowlands said it had approached the agency about doing something on the bridge, near Old Colwyn, as an appreciation of health and social care workers.

The logistics of painting the structure, with the expressway needing to be closed while work is undertaken, make painting the structure problematic but some have suggested lighting it up in rainbow colours.

However a spokeswoman for Welsh Government has told the Local Democracy Reporting Service it is “considering” the idea.

She said: “We share everyone’s wish to honour and thank our health and other key workers.

“We are considering Conwy Council’s request to see what can be done on the rainbow bridge, taking into account the need to keep the carriageway open and keep the workforce safe.

“In the meantime our signage on the A55 reminds the public to protect our NHS by staying at home.”

The idea was put forward by Christina Saunders and passed on by Conwy county councillor Bob Squire.

However it emerged the council had already approached the North and Mid Wales Trunk Road Agency about the matter.

Cllr Rowlands added:  “We have left it with them. I think it’s a great idea if it can be done.

“I would say if there’s a way and the Trunk Road Agency can help recognise key workers at this time it would be great.”

Cllr Squire, who represents Eirias ward, said it would be a “fitting tribute to all those who would have given so much to the community in general”.

By Jez Hemming – Local Democracy Reporter