Fire damage has been discovered at Bangor’s historic Garth Pier, with the incident now reported to North Wales Police.
Images shared on social media show fire damage inside a kiosk housing memorial plaques honouring Royal Navy trainees and cadets who served on HMS Conway.
The damage, which includes visible charring to part of the wooden structure and window frame, was identified earlier today.
Avril Wayte, Chair of the Friends of Bangor Garth Pier, confirmed the matter has been reported to police.
She said:
“We became aware today that our beautiful HMS Conway lookout kiosk has been deliberately damaged by fire.
This act of arson has been reported to North Wales Police who will investigate this dreadful matter, and we are hopeful that the criminals responsible will be apprehended and punished.”
The kiosk at the end of Bangor Pier houses a memorial to HMS Conway, reflecting the ship’s long-standing connection to the area. The vessel, which operated as a naval training school, was moored off Glyn Garth near Bangor before later being relocated to Plas Newydd on Anglesey. It ran aground in 1953 while being towed for repair work.
In 2017, those who trained and served on HMS Conway were commemorated through a glass artwork installed in the kiosk, with additional plaques creating a lasting tribute to former cadets, trainees and ratings.
The Bangor Aye understands the pier group is now working with North Wales Police as enquiries begin into the cause of the damage.
Bangor Garth Pier, a Grade II listed structure, has long faced challenges from the elements, particularly storm damage — but fire remains one of the most serious risks to its wooden structure.
Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact North Wales Police, quoting incident number O055305.
