Can Canal channel tourist pounds into town?

Millions of pounds are being spent to connect Welshpool to the rest of Britain via the canal network, and tourism chiefs believe it will see the town cash in from thousands of visitors.

Work is continuing along the stretch of Montgomery Canal that runs through the town and on to Newtown, and once completed in the coming years, canal boats will enter the Severn Valley once again.

The progress is largely down to the hard work of fundraisers and volunteers, and now an appeal has gone out to the people of Welshpool to come up with ideas and develop a vision for the canal-side.

“Together with many waterway trusts and societies, we welcome volunteers who want to make a difference to their local area and get involved with our restoration work,” said a spokesperson for the Canal & River Trust.

“If you value your local canal or river and want a greater say in how it is restored, this could be an opportunity for you.

“We are looking for help on the Montgomery Canal. Could you help survey the condition of the dry section below Crickheath? Or develop a vision for the canalside in Welshpool or Llanymynech. Or help with new canal-side nature reserves in Powys, or develop a terminus for Newtown?”

If you have any great ideas or simply want to dedicate some time, click here for more information.