Public meeting for Montgomery Canal

Residents can find out what the latest is on the multi-million-pound bid to connect Welshpool with the rest of Britain through the canal network.

This year’s Montgomery Canal Forum will be hosted at the Aico Centre of Excellence, Maesbury Road, Oswestry Wednesday, June 21, from 2.30pm.

The meeting follows that massive development that a section of canal at Crickheath reopened earlier this month.

The volunteer-led campaign has the backing from millions of pounds of UK Government Levelling-Up money and the evening will also provide an opportunity to see what’s next and where the money will be spent.

Michael Limbrey, Chairman of the Montgomery Waterway Restoration Trust, said: “Today, the Montgomery Canal has a new destination in Shropshire and little Crickheath becomes one of the furthest points you can travel on the canal network across England and Wales.

“Our ambition is to extend the canal through the final two miles in Shropshire and then through to Welshpool and beyond.

“Experience across the country shows that canals bring social, environmental and economic benefits to their area. These benefits are integral to the strategy for the Montgomery Canal. A safe space for recreation and well-being will provide opportunities for visitors and residents which will benefit the local economy.

“The substantial investment in canalside nature reserves near Queen’s Head will be matched in Powys to safeguard rare and protected wildlife. Maintenance will ensure water continues to flow and the canal is not blocked with aggressive plants.

“Rebuilt bridges on both sides of the border will make it easier for walkers and others at crossings which have blocked the canal for many years. 

“In Shropshire the volunteer work parties which rebuilt the canal channel to Crickheath – finishing on budget and on time – have started work on the next section. The support they received from the National Lottery Heritage Fund has now finished and the Restore the Montgomery Canal! appeal is raising money to pay for materials and plant hire. Donations for the Schoolhouse Bridge project show how much people right across the country value what’s special about the Montgomery Canal and we hope that that support will continue for the next stage.”

The Forum is organised by Montgomery Waterway Restoration Trust which was formed in 1980 to bring together the public and voluntary organisations interested in the future of the Montgomery Canal.