Canal benefits can already be felt

Connecting Welshpool to the rest of Britain via the canal may be some time off, but the area is already reaping the benefits of the work that has already taken place.

An army of volunteers is supporting the relentless renovation that will eventually see the Montgomery Canal directly linked to the British waterways network, a move that is expected to bring huge economic benefits through tourism to the Welshpool area.

But Montgomery Waterway Restoration Trust Chairman Michael Limbrey told the latest Montgomery Canal Forum that we are already starting to feel the boost.

Speaking after presentations showed where the Lottery-funded renovations are being carried out and also other projects carried out by volunteers, Mr Limbrey said: “Waterways in Progress is a recent report which shows from other restorations across the country that restoring a canal can bring benefits to a community even before the restoration is finished.

“We have so many examples on the Montgomery Canal including two popular pubs on the Shropshire section, thriving canoe groups at Queen's Head and Welshpool and no less than three different boat trips – in Maesbury, Llanymynech and Welshpool.

“In addition, the canal is host to popular events like the recent Montgomery Canal Triathlon and Welshpool’s Transport Festival in June.

“The current National Lottery Heritage Fund programme, managed through the canal’s owners, the Canal & River Trust, is providing new nature reserves and another length of canal which in a couple of years’ time will mean an extra 1.3 miles added to the national waterway system. It was very valuable to see how much is being achieved by volunteers of the regular Shropshire Union Canal Society regular work party team as part of this programme.

“We hope to be rebuilding Schoolhouse Bridge next year. This will be one of the most significant volunteer projects on the Montgomery Canal for some time. Volunteers have been raising funds for the bridge through the Restore the Montgomery Canal appeal over the last two years or so and I’m delighted that over £500 was raised through generous donations at the meeting.

“All this brings nearer the time when boats from across the country can return to mid-Wales.”

The Oswestry meeting was attended by more than 70 people and opened by Cllr Steve Charmley, Deputy Leader of Shropshire Council, who spoke of the value of the canal in economic and social terms, its health and well-being benefits, and his pleasure at the progress being made.