COUNTRYSIDE campaigners last night condemned anew bridge at a Snowdonia beauty spot as "insensitive, unnecessary and ugly". The Snowdonia Society is now demanding the structure, near Llyn Crafnant above Capel Curig, is replaced with something more suitable. Though spanning a stream less than 6ft wide, it has 6ft high wooden parapets and is made from rough stones and coarse concrete. The Snowdonia Society had drawn up its own plans to replace the old bridge - a concrete path laid over two pipes - but were beaten to it by Conwy County Borough Council. Operations director Dan James said: "Unfortunately, before we had achance to formally discuss our plans with officials, we were stunned to receive complaints from members who had the misfortune to stumble across what can only be described as one of the most inappropriate bridges ever." Snowdonia Society volunteers have spent years repairing the path leading up to Llyn Crafnant using traditional stone pitching techniques. The bridge, though small, was considered an important feature as it affords panoramic views of the Snowdon Horseshoe. Mr James has formally complained to Conwy Council but, eight weeks later, has yet to receive a response. The society offered to meet officers to share its own ideas, drawn up by a professional local designer, for stone bridge, similar to many others already in the area. Mr James added: "It's also ru- moured the new bridge's 6ft high parapets were necessary for horses which don't like looking down on fast flowing water. "But all riders we've spoken to say they would ford such a small stream rather than using the bridge. "Common sense must prevail and something far more appropriate should be installed." The society now wants people who dislike the new bridge to write to Conwy Council at: Head of Highways and Transportation, CCBC, The Heath, Penmaenmawr Road, Llanfairfechan, LL33 0PF. Despite repeated calls, nobody from Conwy Council was available for comment yesterday. | 
