A new ‘Welcome to Bangor’ project including a new sign, raised flowerbeds and friendship benches, will make the right first impression to people visiting the city.
The new ‘Welcome to Bangor’ sign, has been sited on the approach to Bangor from Llandegai and includes landmark images of Bangor Cathedral, the University and Bangor Pier, and reference to Bangor’s twin town Soest, in Germany. The longer-term plan is to place similar welcome signs on Caernarfon Road and at the Antelope roundabout.
Nigel Pickavance, Councillor for Marchog Ward in Bangor, has worked with a number of other local agencies and volunteers to complete the project. He said: “This is a project which I hoped to fit in to my schedule as a local member before the end of my term. It’s a simple idea I have had for many years having visited many places and being drawn into the inspiration behind the eye-catching Welcome to the said areas. First impressions certainly do make a difference.
“A pet hate of mine is attending meeting after meeting and the only constructive outcome is the date of the next meeting. No, organisations can’t run like that, our time on earth is short, it’s our responsibility to make sure our next generation are inspired by the last and have a City of hope and enthusiasm not an apathetic Community. So having had support from the City Council, the planning for the Welcome to Bangor project commenced.
“I strongly believe in the saying do the small, considerate things that often make a big difference, the last words of St David. No truer are those words than in this instance. Other than the cost of the new sign to the City Council, this project was of no cost to the public purse thanks to grants from Maes Ni, Mantell Gwynedd and Conwy Valley Railway Partnership, North West Wales Coastline.
“It took just three months to source funds, plan the project with a truly amazing team of volunteers who this week executed the project in just four days. Costing just over £5000, and what a difference it makes.
“Taking on the project we had to draw in partners who have a stake in the City. We did just that and we are so grateful to the following for their part in the project. Partneriaeth Maesgeirchen Partnership, Maes Ni, ADRA, Bangor City Council, Wild Elements, youth services NWP and of course the great Volunteers.
“What a transformation! The new sign includes landmarks images of Bangor Cathedral, the University and our hidden gem Bangor Pier. The vibrant flowers beds will stay in the minds of visitors, the friendship benches will give comfort to many and the Wild pollinating flowers will enhance the colours and be of great benefit to the environment, however the wild flower turf could take up to a year to develop.
“Hopefully this welcome to Bangor project can be rolled out to the other two Bangor entry points at Caernarfon Rd and Antelope roundabout in the future.
“Another fine example of Bangor collaborative partnership working is what’s happening on Bangor pier. Led by a great Chairperson Avril Wayte and an awesome team in the friends of Bangor Garth Pier group, they have transformed the gem of a pier by holding events, projects and uplifting the spirit which has resulted in a huge increase in footfall.
“Looking at the future in the bigger picture. Unfortunately, the City of Bangor has been subject to some unfair changes to the Ward boundaries. After the election in May, the city will be down to seven local members from ten. This despite so many challenges facing the City, a senseless and bizarre change by the Welsh Assembly but it is what it is and we just have to move on.
“Without diverting too deep into the City’s problems, it is clear that whoever is elected to represent the City, they need to work together and work almighty hard to turn around what many deems to be a City falling to its knees.
“On a positive note, we must also remember that there are a number of great things happening in Bangor at the moment for example, a beautiful Welcome, Bangor Market, a vibrant Pier, NW Coastal Path extension, busiest footpath in North Wales in Lon Las Ogwen and outstanding views.
“Bangor has so much to offer and why isn’t it the hub of all things tourism with so many worldwide famous attractions within 30 miles of the town clock.
“On finishing, it’s of my opinion that Bangor’s biggest ever challenge is the City Centre. This needs change and it’s been needed for many years. To match some of the positive stuff already happening as mentioned, an action plan needs to be in place, not meetings, action. Whichever direction the City Centre takes, it needs direction. Boxes needs to be ticked for bigger things to happen.
“Here’s to a rejuvenated Welcome to the City of Bangor, our City!”
