In the days following the deliberate fire at the Afon Cegin footbridge linking Lôn Las Ogwen and Maesgeirchen, the Bangor community has shown its true strength by coming together with determination, positivity and practical action.
In the early hours of 21 January, the bridge linking Lôn Las Ogwen and Maesgeirchen was deliberately set alight, with North Wales Police and North Wales Fire and Rescue Service attending the scene and extinguishing the blaze. North Wales Police are investigating the incident as arson and have appealed for witnesses to come forward.
What began as shock and anger has quickly turned into a shared commitment to turn a negative into a positive. After overwhelming support on social media, residents met at the bridge in a well-attended gathering where the focus shifted from deliberate damage to hope, collaboration and rebuilding.
The group discussed the incident openly before moving on to what can be done next. There was a clear, upbeat feeling that the community will rise together and play an active role in shaping the future of this important local link. Plans are already forming around volunteering, environmental improvements, creative projects and, in time, a celebration community day.
Progress is also being made behind the scenes. The group has been in contact with Cyngor Gwynedd to clarify responsibility for the bridge and next steps. They have also reached out to the Chief Executive of Adra, and a senior officer has already confirmed the housing association’s willingness to get involved and attend the next meeting.
To move the project forward, the community will now establish a dedicated working group to explore key areas, including future responsibility for the bridge, costings for a replacement structure, potential funding and grant opportunities, construction planning, risk assessment and a programme of works.
Alongside this, there is a strong feeling that the community itself should play a central role in the project. Ideas already discussed include organising a litter pick and river clean-up, creating community artwork, planting and painting, and holding a celebration community day to mark progress and bring people together.
Support has flowed in from many local volunteers and organisations offering practical help – including transport, materials, painting, labour and general assistance – highlighting the strength of community spirit and the willingness of people to step forward and help.
Get involved
If you would like to offer your help or support – whether practical, creative or organisational – please contact Nigel Pickavance 079446 94 801 or Chris Oneal 07399 768 810.
You can also follow the community group on Facebook to keep up to date with meetings, volunteering opportunities and progress.
Police appeal
The incident remains under investigation by North Wales Police. Anyone who witnessed the fire or has information that could assist enquiries is urged to contact police on 101, via their website, or anonymously through Crimestoppers, quoting reference 26000055252.
This growing response shows that while the damage was caused by a minority, the future of this space will be shaped by a community working together – turning adversity into action.
