29-04-2025
- General
- North Wales Chronicle
Bangor residents celebrate Afon Cegin river despite concerns
Over the weekend, people gathered at the river to celebrate the waterway and learn about how pollution affects the river's ecosystem.
The event, which was called Dwr yw Bywyd! Water is Life!, was organised by Extinction Rebellion Bangor.
The aim was to bring attention to the condition of our waterways and to urge the government to regulate the discharge of pollutants into our rivers.
The walk along Lon Las Ogwen, which connects Port Penrhyn in Bangor to Bethesda and Llyn Ogwen, included a theatre with a River Goddess.
It attracted attention from people concerned about the state of the rivers and the loss of species who live in them, as well as people who enjoy rivers for recreation.
Alison Shaw, a retired teacher from Conwy who attended the event, said: "It was great to see so many people gather at Afon Cegin at the Lon Las cycle track to show their concern for our precious rivers.
"We are asking our water companies and governments to be accountable and take proper action to protect the health of our people and ecosystems."
Water Vole plaque (Image: Supplied)
According to Extinction Rebellion Bangor, 66 per cent of rivers in Wales do not meet good ecological standards.
Pollution poses a risk to water users by increasing the chances of contracting harmful illnesses, while sewage contamination harms natural river and ocean ecosystems and habitats.
A scientific study by North Wales Rivers Trust has identified pollution from sewage, chemicals and metals in the water downstream of Llandygai Industrial Estate.
This pollution harms fish and other river species, along with the wildlife and plants along the riverbank.
The Afon Cegin flows into the sea, impacting both swimmers and marine life.
In October 2021, the UK government voted against a proposal that would have prevented water companies from discharging waste directly into rivers and seas.
The ongoing failure to effectively address sewage pollution has caused significant controversy.
