DANGER BRIDGE STILL NOT FIXED 2 YEARS ON:
FRUSTRATION AT DELAY IN SORTING REPLACEMENT ON BUSY ROUTE
CALLS are being made for swifter action to replace a well-used footbridge which forms part of the North Wales Pilgrim’s Way.
The footbridge over the Afon Llyfni at Penygroes was closed by Gwynedd Council more than two years ago after being deemed dangerous due to its poor state of repair.
But its replacement has not materialised and is causing great inconvenience for walkers and pilgrims trying to complete the well-publicised trail, as well as local residents.
The 135-mile trail stretches from Holywell to Aberdaron and was the way pilgrims would walk to Bardsey island. Three pilgrimages to the island off the Llŷn coast was the equivalent of one to Rome.
Sally Stacey, who lives nearest the bridge, said: “The North Wales Pilgrim’s Way is heavily promoted and the number of people who walk the route is significant.
“The footbridge in question is adjacent to my property, The Woollen Mill, Penygroes and so I see many of the walkers passing by.
“When they encounter the closed bridge, most either climb over the wall and use the bridge anyway, even though this is probably dangerous, or visit my home to ask advice. I am becoming tired of being a tourist information centre.
“Two weeks ago I was at home on the Saturday and decided to count the number of people who approached the footbridge.
“I saw 68 walkers; there were undoubtedly more that I didn’t see.
“This week I met walkers from America who had travelled to Wales specifically to walk The North Wales Pilgrim’s Way.
“I have also encountered visitors from France, Germany and Australia.”
She said she had contacted various tourism organisations including Go North Wales hoping they could exert pressure on the council.
“I have also met the organisers of The North Wales Pilgrim’s Way who are extremely frustrated about the bridge.
“The trail has the potential to attract many visitors to the region. Tourism is vital to the local economy and neglecting a significant trail is simply foolish,” added Ms Stacey.
A Gwynedd Council spokesman said: “As a council, we are committed to providing a replacement footbridge and apologise for the inconvenience caused since the bridge was closed for safety reasons.
“A replacement footbridge has been designed, and we are currently seeking the necessary consents from Natural Resources Wales (NRW).”
The environmental agency said officials were expecting to receive the application from the council soon.
An NRW spokesman said, once received, officials would have two months to consider the application and make a decision.