Key Welshpool meeting for canal future

The people leading Welshpool’s bid to be connected to the rest of the UK via the canal network are encouraging members of the public to join them later this month to find out the latest developments.

Tens of millions of pounds are being pumped into the project to re-connect the Montgomery Canal with the canals network, and at 2.30pm on April 22 at the Royal Oak Hotel for their annual Forum.

Presentations will cover the latest developments in Montgomeryshire and Shropshire and plans for its future including:

• The new Schoolhouse Bridge, the last highway blockage in Shropshire, rebuilt by contractors in a volunteer-led project entirely funded by donations from supporters, private companies and charitable trusts.
• Volunteers restoring the canal channel in Shropshire supported by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and other grants.
• The Restore the Montgomery Canal! appeal supporting future restoration.
• Multi-million-pound Levelling-Up projects in Powys.
• Nurturing nature and embracing ecological stewardship in the canal restoration.
• Heulwen Trust, possibly the world’s first boat trip for vulnerable and less abled adults and children.

Montgomery Waterway Restoration Trust Chairman, Michael Limbrey, said: “Major works are under way to extend the isolated section of canal in Powys and at the same time volunteers are hard at work to restore the canal to the Shropshire border at Llanymynech.

“Restoration ensures a safe and accessible towpath, protects the canal’s valuable ecology and its historic canal-age structures, and ensures an amenity for water sports as well as boating visitors: all topics that will be covered at our Forum.

“The Montgomery Canal is part of a network of waterways which extends from Newtown in mid-Wales to London’s Docklands and deep into Yorkshire.

“Many miles of once neglected canal have been reopened to become attractive features enjoyed by visitors and residents in towns like Llangollen, Brecon, Stratford-on-Avon and Droitwich.

“We believe that the restored Montgomery Canal will be valuable in making the borderlands of Shropshire and Powys a great place for visitors and for residents to live, work and enjoy.”

The Montgomery Canal Forum is a public meeting to which all are invited.