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North Wales Chronicle
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.
North Wales Chronicle
24-04-2025
- Science
- North Wales Chronicle
Bangor event to mark Afon Cegin river and tackle pollution
The event, named Dwr yw Bywyd! Water is Life!, will be held on April 27 and aims to educate people about how pollution affects the life of the river and where the pollution comes from. The walk is organised by Extinction Rebellion Bangor and will start from the car park at the far end of Llandygai Industrial estate at 11am. All are welcome to attend the family-friendly walk, the organisers have said. The event will include theatre and conversation to mourn the state of waterways and celebrate their regenerative powers and the life-giving role of water for people and nature. A scientific study conducted by the North Wales Rivers Trust has identified pollution from sewage, chemicals, and metals in the water downstream of the Llandygai Industrial Estate. This pollution harms fish and other aquatic life in the river, along with the wildlife and plants along its banks. The Afon Cegin flows into the sea, impacting water quality for swimmers as well as marine animals and plant life. READ MORE: Why you might see a life-sized whale on a beach on Anglesey this weekend Gemma Baron, an ecologist living in Penmachno, said: "Beaches and rivers are beautiful places essential for people and nature to thrive. "These are the places we swim, paddle, fish, surf and play. "And yet they are being polluted and destroyed every day. "We want the government and water companies to clean up their act." In October 2021, the UK government voted down a proposal to stop water companies from pumping waste directly into rivers and seas.
