Footbridge linking Lon Las Ogwen and Maesgeirchen closed in Bangor

Cyngor Gwynedd has had to close a popular footbridge in Bangor following an incident of deliberate burning.

A significant section of a footbridge between Lôn Las Ogwen and Maesgeirchen, Bangor was burnt in the early hours of Wednesday morning, 21 January 2026, with North Wales Fire and Rescue Service being called. The Council has temporarily closed the route due to concern for the safety of the structure.

Councillor Craig ab Iago, Cyngor Gwynedd's Cabinet Member for Environment, said:

"This footbridge in Bangor is hugely popular with local residents and offers the opportunity to enjoy the environment and nature on the outskirts of the city.

"It’s therefore very worrying that the structure has had to be closed following this fire, and it is heartbreaking to see the damage that has been caused not only to the bridge but also to mature trees and the pollution to the local environment in general as a result of the fire.

"As well as the inconvenience of having to close the bridge, there will be significant costs for the Council if we’re able to carry out repairs to the structure – at a time when funding is already scarce, this is an unnecessary cost.

"It is disappointing that the behaviour of a minority is spoiling people's enjoyment of this footbridge which is an important link for local people. We urge those responsible to respect public property and to think about the impact of their behaviour on the local community, and for anyone with information about the matter to contact North Wales Police."

The incident has been reported to North Wales Police. If anyone has information about the incident, they should contact North Wales Police on 101 or www.northwales.police.uk or anonymously via Crimestoppers quoting reference number 26000055252.