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Executive Summary
Anglesey Council required a long‑life, low‑maintenance replacement for a deteriorating woodland stairway leading to the Menai Bridge. The existing timber structure had become unsafe due to moisture exposure, algae growth and heavy footfall from residents and visitors.
Traditional timber was considered but was unlikely to provide the durability and maintenance profile needed for a shaded, coastal environment.
Working with MK Enterprises Ltd, the Council selected Plaswood recycled‑plastic lumber* to construct a new stairway designed for long service life, consistent performance in wet conditions and minimal ongoing upkeep.
The result: a robust, visually sympathetic structure that supports safe access to one of Wales’ most iconic landmarks.
About the Client
Anglesey Council manages public spaces, heritage sites and visitor infrastructure across the island. The Council aims to deliver durable, cost‑effective solutions that perform reliably in coastal environments while maintaining the character of local landscapes.
With high visitor numbers around the Menai Bridge and challenging environmental conditions, the Council required materials that could withstand continuous exposure to moisture, shade and heavy use.
The Challenge
The woodland stairway leading to the Menai Bridge had deteriorated significantly:
- Timber treads, posts and handrails had rotted, becoming slippery and unstable.
- Algae growth created safety concerns for users.
- Coastal air and shade accelerated wear and corrosion of metal fixings.
- High footfall from tourists and residents increased structural strain.
The Council needed a replacement that would provide long‑term reliability, reduce maintenance demands and complement the natural surroundings.
The Solution
Anglesey Council’s in‑house architects specified Plaswood recycled‑plastic lumber* as an alternative to timber, selecting it for its durability in wet and coastal environments.
Working with MK Enterprises Ltd, the project team:
- Removed the existing timber structure and prepared the sloped woodland site.
- Installed Plaswood posts, treads and handrails, shaped to suit the gradient and layout.
- Used textured decking boards to provide slip‑resistant surfacing.
- Integrated galvanised fixings for strength and corrosion resistance.
- Created a visually sympathetic design that retained the rustic character of the original stairway.
Plaswood’smaterial properties— including resistance to rot, moisture and splintering — supported the Council’s requirement for a long‑life, low‑maintenance solution.
*Recycled content percentage may vary by product specification.
The Results
The new stairway delivered several benefits for Anglesey Council and the local community:
- Improved safety, with stable, slip‑resistant treads and durable handrails.
- Reduced maintenance requirements, with no need for painting, staining or rot‑related repairs.
- Consistent performance in shaded, coastal and high‑moisture environments.
- A long‑life structure, supporting reliable access to the Menai Bridge.
- A design that complements the landscape, maintaining the site’s natural character.
The Council has expressed satisfaction with the installation and its suitability for similar projects across the region.
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