Messages of support from around world

“A lot of Bangorians who have emigrated have really backed the bid and we’re very grateful for this.”

Susan Ashworth, vice chair of the group, added: ”We’d like a say a big thank you to everyone for all the amazing support we have received, it just goes to show how much the pier is loved by locals, students and visitors. “It truly is treasured.” The group talked about plans to hold a number of events on the pier later in the year, though these plans are still in their infancy.

“We are looking at future events that include a Victorian day, possibly in July, a family fun day and a couple of larger organisations are working with the group to put on events” said Ms Ashworth.

“These haven’t been confirmed yet and we will announce them when we can.”

The pier has been owned by the city council since it was bought from Arfon Borough Council in 1978 to save it from demolition.

The city council restored it to its present form in the 1980s and has managed it ever since.

Project consultant Jim O’Rourke praised the support shown by residents and the city council to the project so far, with over 200 letters of support received in support of the bid.

He said that initial surveys showed the pier structure itself was in a rea- sonable condition, but had deteriorated over time.

Mr O’Rourke explained that even if the bid was successful in attracting significant funding, with the city council contributing some of the cost, the two-year renovation not be expected to start until 2017 at the earliest.

A bid for between £50,000 and £80,000, which would be used to prepare a more thorough application, could be submitted as early as March.