A local group will celebrate the Afon Cegin River which runs along Lon Las Ogwen Cycle Path into Porth Penrhyn in Bangor, while highlighting the dangers of pollution and how pollution affects the life of the river and where the pollution comes from.

The walk is organised by Extinction Rebellion Bangor for Sunday 29th September and will be a family-friendly event to which all are welcome.

The walk will include ceremony, theatre and conversation to discuss the state of our waterways and celebrate their regenerative powers and the life-giving role of water for people and nature.

66% of rivers in Wales don’t meet good ecological standards.  Pollution puts water users at risk of contracting harmful illnesses, and sewage pollution damages natural river and ocean ecosystems and habitats.

A scientific study by North Wales Rivers Trust has found pollution from sewage, chemical and metals in the water at Adon Cegin, which is downstream from Llandygai Industrial Estate. High levels of Phosphorus found in the Afon Cegin can harm fish and other creatures in the river and wildlife that lives on the riverbank as well as affecting plants. The Afon Cegin River runs into the sea impacting sea creatures and plants and swimming.

Current laws allow companies or properties to release certain waste into the river within specified limits. There are currently 14 permitted discharges on the Afon Cegin, covering treated sewage, Combined sewer overflows (CSOs), road run-off, and industrial waste.

In October 2021 the UK government voted down a proposal to stop water companies pumping waste directly into rivers and seas. The failure to properly tackle the issue of sewage pollution has been hugely controversial.

Gemma Baron, an Ecologist living in Penmachno, said, “Beaches and rivers are beautiful places essential for people and nature to thrive. These are the places we swim, paddle, fish, surf and play. And yet they are being polluted and destroyed every day. We want the government and water companies to clean up their act. “

The group will be meeting at the Afon Cegin Lon Las Cycle path, at the far end of Llandygai Industrial Estate, where there is free parking, on Sunday 29th September 2pm. All welcome. Find out more here: https://www.facebook.com/events/1929168867506753