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Call to halt internet bridge jump Call to halt internet bridge jump
(about 10 hours later)
Some residents in Snowdonia are trying to stop people jumping off their village's 15th Century bridge and posting the stunt on the internet.Some residents in Snowdonia are trying to stop people jumping off their village's 15th Century bridge and posting the stunt on the internet.
People in Betws-y-Coed say the problem has got worse over the last 18 months because of the trend for posting on video-sharing sites like YouTube.People in Betws-y-Coed say the problem has got worse over the last 18 months because of the trend for posting on video-sharing sites like YouTube.
Gareth Jones, Plaid Cymru AM for the area, called for a long-term solution to the problem.Gareth Jones, Plaid Cymru AM for the area, called for a long-term solution to the problem.
Police have stepped up patrols, but say they cannot be there 24 hours a day.Police have stepped up patrols, but say they cannot be there 24 hours a day.
There are a number of videos posted on YouTube showing people making the jump of approximately six metres (20 ft) off Pont-y-Pair - meaning bridge of the cauldron - into the river below.There are a number of videos posted on YouTube showing people making the jump of approximately six metres (20 ft) off Pont-y-Pair - meaning bridge of the cauldron - into the river below.
It is a dangerous occupation, and for everybody's safety and peace of mind it needs to be stamped out. Mark EdwardsIt is a dangerous occupation, and for everybody's safety and peace of mind it needs to be stamped out. Mark Edwards
Chair of the local tourism association, Mark Edwards, who also runs a local Bed & Breakfast, said the problem was getting worse.Chair of the local tourism association, Mark Edwards, who also runs a local Bed & Breakfast, said the problem was getting worse.
He said: "So far we've been very lucky, no-one has got hurt, but what people forget is that swift water is very unpredictable.He said: "So far we've been very lucky, no-one has got hurt, but what people forget is that swift water is very unpredictable.
"It is a dangerous occupation, and for everybody's safety and peace of mind it needs to be stamped out.""It is a dangerous occupation, and for everybody's safety and peace of mind it needs to be stamped out."
Marion Bettoney, chair of the community council, said the council could not afford CCTV for the area.Marion Bettoney, chair of the community council, said the council could not afford CCTV for the area.
"To other people in the whole of Wales it might seem that we're making a mountain out of a molehill, but we're not, because it actually stops the flow of traffic," she said."To other people in the whole of Wales it might seem that we're making a mountain out of a molehill, but we're not, because it actually stops the flow of traffic," she said.
"It is also bringing in a different calibre of people to the village, and they're not people who come in and enjoy our village.""It is also bringing in a different calibre of people to the village, and they're not people who come in and enjoy our village."
Permanent solutionPermanent solution
Ms Bettoney said as the bridge was an historic structure protected by Cadw, it was not easy to put up netting or wires.Ms Bettoney said as the bridge was an historic structure protected by Cadw, it was not easy to put up netting or wires.
AM Gareth Jones, called for a more permanent solution. AM Gareth Jones called for a more permanent solution.
Mr Jones said: "What I intend to do is raise this with the appropriate minister in the assembly.Mr Jones said: "What I intend to do is raise this with the appropriate minister in the assembly.
"There has to be a longer-term solution in my opinion, because every summer, practically, we come round to this problem.""There has to be a longer-term solution in my opinion, because every summer, practically, we come round to this problem."