Shropshire Star

Canal restoration vital to economy

Campaigners say they are delighted at the support by Shropshire's new council leader, for the restoration of the Montgomery Canal .

Published
The Montgomery Canal

Councillor Peter Nutting said re-opening the canal from Lower Frankton near Ellesmere through to Newtown could bring long-term economic benefits. He has pledged to do all he can to help restore the canal up to the Welsh border at Llanymynech south of Oswestry.

Montgomery Waterway Restoration Trust has sent an invite to Councillor Nutting to visit to see for himself the work to open the canal up again.

Michael Limbrey, Chairman of the Montgomery Waterway Restoration Trust, said he was delighted that Councillor Nutting had pledged his commitment to the canal.

"It is wonderful that the new leader of Shropshire Council has the vision to understand just how important the Montgomery Canal will be to the local economy.

"An invitation is winging its way to Councillor Nutting to come up and see the work for himself."

"So much has been achieved over the years to bring the Montgomery Canal back to life. Currently a programme of works and events supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund is getting under way, and now we are looking at the next steps in the restoration.

Councillor Nutting said he hoped to use the role to embrace the potential to expand on the county’s tourism, including improving the current facilities, such as its canal system.

He said: “Particularly across north Shropshire the canals have all sorts of opportunities. I just think investment in the canal system could really bring long-term benefits, particularly the Montgomeryshire branch of the Shropshire Union Canal.

“If we can get it to the Welsh border it will be up to the Welsh Assembly to do that side but if we can link it in to the Welsh and Newport branch of the canal, it does provide a real opportunity for a week’s canal holiday from the Shropshire Union Canal.”

The trust recently launched an appeal for funds to support volunteers as they tackle the dry section of the canal through Pant. The appeal is urging people to help raise two miles of £2 coins for £250,000 to help the restoration.

"This section has been derelict for many years, and we have to tackle a blocked road bridge, and an old railway embankment as well as relining the canal so it can hold water once more," Mr Limbrey said.

"It will be very exciting to bring an end to so many years of dereliction, to see the towpath in good condition and to see boats coming once again from across the canal system bringing visitors to Pant and Llanymynech."