March calls for city improvements

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Nigel Pickavance explained why the protest march was organised

More than 200 people have held a protest march in Bangor, Gwynedd, demanding more of a voice for the city.

The march developed from Facebook group 'Bangor Citizens', which has grown to 1,000 members and wants increased powers for the city's council.

Spokesman Nigel Pickavance said the turnout showed people did not think Bangor was getting "a fair deal".

County councillor and mayor John Wynn Jones said the Bangor Pride group was already working towards the same goals.

Gwynedd Council is responsible for most services in Bangor but the local city of Bangor Council has responsibility for some local facilities, ranging from Bangor City's football ground, the pier to some open spaces.

The protest grew out of a Facebook social network group.

"We are here for a lot of reasons but the most important one is the fact that we, as the citizens of Bangor, feel we are not getting a fair deal from our county council," said Mr Pickavance, a postman.

"It extends to many things - so much students accommodation, lack of children's facilities, lack of quality development, the streets are just run down," he added.

It's time now to stop throwing the rotten tomatoes from the football stand and work together for something positive John Wynn Jones, Mayor of Bangor

Mr Pickavance said people had been taking about it for many years but the fact the recession had made it worse had brought things to a head.

"People have said now enough is enough, if we don't do something about it now the city will die."

He said the marchers wanted the city council to have more of a say in planning matters, rather than the county council.

"We want to be in a position as a city ourselves to say 'yes we accept that' (planning application) rather than 'yes, we accept that, and then someone else says, finally, if it's going to come in or not'.

"Basically we are a city without a voice."

Bangor Pride

Vicky Lloyd added: "We don't have a theatre or a cinema, nothing for children to do.

"We don't have anything against students, they are great for the city, but there is no-where for them to spend their money either," she added.

Bangor mayor John Wynn Jones, who is also a Gwynedd County councillor, said he welcomed the turnout on Saturday as a sign that people wanted to work to improve the city.

"I think maybe they are unaware of the work that is being done behind the scenes, but I welcome the march because it shows people are interested," said Coun Jones.

"I'm looking forward to working with them on Bangor Pride so we are in a good position when the credit crunch comes to an end."

'Work together'

Coun Jones said he would like to see developers coming to the city to build something "for the community".

"I'd like to see a multiplex cinema come to the football ground, not more student flats, because there are enough of them already," he said.

"I am excited that people are interested, but when Bangor councillor Douglas Madge appealed for help to stage a Bangor Festival only one woman turned out.

"It's time now to stop throwing the rotten tomatoes from the football stand and work together for something positive," he added.