Maesgeirchen is a large housing estate on the edge of the city of Bangor in Gwynedd, north-west Wales, with roughly 4,000 inhabitants. It was originally constructed in the late 1930s, with more homes being added after World War II and in recent years. In 2003, the local council-owned pre-war homes on the estate underwent an expansive home-improvement scheme funded by the council, which saw them all fitted with double-glazing and central heating, as well as maintenance and modernisation work to both the interior and exterior of the buildings. It is the third largest single housing estate in Wales behind Gurnos, Merthyr Tydfil, the second largest and Caia Park in Wrexham, which is the largest with nearly 12,000 inhabitants. The estate is located away from the main spread of the city ofBangor, being separated by Bangor Mountain. The name of the estate is often shortened to a simpler "Maes-G" in casual use, by residents of both the estate and the city. Maesgeirchen was named after the farm Maes-y-geirchen which was situated near Queens Avenue. The estate has only one road entrance and exit, via "Maes-G Hill", which gives the residents of Maesgeirchen a strongsense of community. There are also numerous un-made footpaths leading to and from the estate; one called Lôn Felin Esgob is an old highway with some of the paving still in place. North it goes over Bangor Mountain towards the city and south it goes through the nearby Llandegaiindustrial estate. Recently there have been major environmental works throughout the river area including walkways, paths, and picnic areas designed for use by pedestrians and wheelchair users. The estate also boasts its own residents' organisation and 'communities first' division which is run by locals. In 2002 the estate was fitted with CCTV which covers the majority of streets. It has a social club, a community centre, a newsagent, a post office, a hairdresser, a chip shop, a Chinese take-away, a laundrette, a church and a primary school named Ysgol Glan Cegin. Bus services into the estate until 2006 were provided exclusively by Arriva Buses Wales, but now there is competition from Padarn Bus following a request by residents unhappy with Arriva's service. Maesgeirchen is designated a 'Communities First' area by the Welsh Assembly Government.
