A community-led effort is gathering pace to restore the damaged footbridge at Lon Las Ogwen, following last month’s deliberate fire, with residents, local organisations, and council officers determined to turn the incident into something positive for Bangor.
At a meeting held this week, there was a strong collective feeling that the city should respond in the way it often does best: by working together. Rather than allowing the arson attack to define the space, the group agreed it should become the starting point for a wider community improvement project involving local businesses, volunteers, schools and environmental groups.
It was confirmed that the land is owned by the Penrhyn Estate and leased to Gwynedd Council until 2034. Although the route is not formally recorded as a public right of way, the bridge forms an important and well-used local link. Council officers visited the site immediately after the meeting to inspect the structure and surrounding trees, with safety concerns about the current cordon also raised.
The financial implications are not yet known, but it was noted that Gwynedd Council invested more than £30,000 in improvements to the bridge just three to four years ago, highlighting the scale of the setback.
The group unanimously agreed that the immediate priority is to commission a full structural survey and an engineer’s report. That report, expected within two weeks, will determine the extent of the damage, clarify whether the bridge can be repaired or requires full replacement, and provide a clear indication of likely costs.
Maintaining momentum was seen as vital. Plans are already in motion to establish a crowdfunding page to cover initial expenses, alongside an appeal to the local business community for support.
Representatives from Adra attended the meeting and will explore whether contractor assistance, materials or community funding streams may be available. Questions were also raised about potential community benefit contributions linked to the Incline development.
Bangor’s long-serving regeneration officer, Dafydd Einion Jones, who is due to retire in the coming months, offered to assist with identifying and preparing grant applications. He was warmly thanked for his many years of dedication to the city, particularly his work in Maesgeirchen. Funding routes discussed included Cist Gwynedd, National Lottery Awards for All and the Local Nature Partnership, subject to meeting environmental criteria.
Rather than simply replacing the bridge, the working group is exploring the opportunity to incorporate a broader environmental and community scheme around the site. Ideas include creating tree sculptures from remaining stumps, planting wildflowers and edible plants, installing bat and bird boxes, organising river clearance and litter picks, and introducing seating and picnic areas. There is a clear ambition to involve volunteers, local gardening groups, schools and youth services in shaping and delivering the project.
Practical offers of help have already been made. Dan Spence has volunteered staff to assist with clearance work, while ML Hughes has offered the use of dumper trucks. The emphasis throughout was on minimising costs by drawing on local expertise and goodwill wherever possible.
A detailed timeline will be developed once the engineer’s report is received, but the mood at the meeting was overwhelmingly positive. What began as an act of vandalism may yet become a lasting example of community resilience, a chance not only to restore a bridge, but to strengthen the connections around it in that very Bangor way.
The group expressed its gratitude to the partners already offering support, including Spence Roofing, Premier Cabs, Adra, Gwynedd Council, Bangor City Council, ML Hughes, Bangor Aye and Robert Bros Toilets.
Further updates are expected once the structural report is complete and fundraising efforts formally begin.
