Bangor Bridge in Bangor on Dee is a historic, Grade One listed monument that the local community are understandably keen to protect. Several residents including members of Bangor on Dee Community Council contacted Andrew Ranger MP for Wrexham to express concern about the build-up of debris in the river following the autumn and winter storms, which had settled and blocked part of the bridge. It was unclear who was responsible for the land under the bridge which was important for the MP and his team to establish. The blockages are affecting 2 of the 4 arches.
The MP’s office convened a meeting last week involving Cadw, Wrexham County Borough Council, Natural Resources Wales (NRW) and members of the Community Council to discuss what could be done. At the meeting NRW confirmed that the debris did not present a flood risk to the village and had modelling to share with residents to show this. It was estimated by Wrexham Borough Council that the weight of the debris was 600 tonnes, the equivalent of around 100 African elephants and was therefore putting pressure on the bridge which, though built in 1658, has medieval foundations.
Cadw expressed concern that if left unaddressed, the debris has the potential to cause damage to the historic bridge. All parties agreed to work together to address the problem with removal of the debris to be undertaken by Wrexham County Borough Council.
Mr Ranger said “Residents and community councillors were rightly concerned about the impact of the debris on the bridge and the river, as well as the impression it gives to the multitudes of tourists who come to admire the village’s stunning scenery every year. The meeting last week has hopefully answered their questions and brought a resolution to this particular issue. I know that the groups involved will continue to collaborate and communicate going forward which is another positive outcome.”
Following extensive lobbying from Andrew Ranger MP, Bangor on Dee Community Council, local councillor Robert Ian Williams, and Bangor on Dee residents, Cadw announced the result of ongoing discussions with Wrexham County Borough Council with the organisation providing a generous grant for the removal of the debris with the rest funded by WCBC.
The work should begin at the end of July.
