Efforts to fully restore the Montgomery Canal are being undermined by Government funding cuts according to a Shropshire Euro MP.

Philip Bradbourn, Conservative MEP for the West Midlands, said the Government’s decision to cut its funding to British Waterways has resulted in a funding black hole which has compromised local efforts to fully restore the canal.

His attack came as he visited the canal at Maesbury Marsh where he met Stephen Lees and Kevin Bell, from British Waterways, as well as Councillor John Duggan, Oswestry Borough Council member for Llanyblodwel & Pant, and Councillor Peter Nutting, Shropshire County Council leader.

Mr Bradbourn said: “British Waterways’ input into the restoration of the Montgomery Canal has been significantly reduced and is directly attributable to government cuts in funding. 

“Without money from this invaluable source the implications for a project to restore the Montgomery Canal are very grave indeed. 

“Completion of the Montgomery restoration will bring a range of economic and social benefits through tourism, canal-related industries and new recreational opportunities. 

“Unfortunately, unless the issue around funding is addressed, I fear efforts to restore the canal will be severely compromised.” 

Mr Bradbourn said he was keen to explore the possibility of funding from the European Union.

“Funding projects which work to improve prosperity is the EU’s biggest asset and it has been very useful to meet with local councillors to discuss how the funding gap can be closed,” he said.