The public consultation for the Sappers Bridge river crossing scheme ran from 13 November to 30 November 2023.
Consultation materials were available on the Council website, as a paper postal pack, and at a public drop in event held at St Mary’s Church Hall, Betws y Coed on 17 November 2023.
The consultation was promoted via social media, press releases, the Council website, posters and letters to local stakeholders.
The consultation materials explained the issues which the scheme would overcome, providing a modern bridge which would be accessible to all and suitable and wide enough for pedestrians, cyclists, wheelchair users, prams and mobility scooters.
The consultation gave the community the opportunity to consider 4 options and provide feedback.
172 people responded to the consultation in total.
Preferred option
Although the questionnaire did not specifically ask respondents to select their preferred option, the feedback provided did include preferences.
- 101 people (59% of respondents) said option 1 was their preferred option
- 7 people (4%) preferred option 2
- 11 people (6%) preferred option
- 39 responses (5%) expressed a desire to maintain the existing bridge
Comments on design
We asked people for their comments on the three possible designs.
Option 1
Responses included:
- "Option 1 is my preferred option. It is aesthetically pleasing, in keeping with the original bridge and has more safety features than the other design."
- "It needs to be functional and obviously maintenance is a key issue, but making it similar to the original bridge makes it much more of a tourist attraction and the added benefit is it will be able to be used by many more people."
- "I would like to see it as close to the original design as possible in keeping with the surrounding area. It’s a beautiful place and the bridge needs to reflect this in my opinion."
Option 2
Responses included:
- "The design is ugly and functional. Why does it have to be a solid structure at the sides? Small people will struggle to see the views/down in to the water."
- "Too much of a compromise. Upkeep of existing bridge will be costly. Half the magic of the bridge is the setting - an ugly second bridge is a poor compromise."
- "I prefer this option. The old bridge can be retained as a derelict visual attraction."
Option 3
Responses included:
- "I think this is the neatest most easily maintainable. Less intrusive to the environment."
- "I do not wish to see this. It is too utilitarian. This bridge is in an area of outstanding beauty. The bridge should add to the beauty not detract from it."
- "Clean modern design, pretty much as shown, simpler and easier construction, functional and lower maintenance, this would be my first choice."