RESTORATION WORK TO RESUME
PLANNING is taking place to resume restoration work between bridges 84 and 85 on the Montgomery Canal in August.
Detailed, specific tasks will be calendared by the Shropshire Union Canal Society and only essential volunteers will be attending these dedicated work parties which will now take place twice a month between August and December in order to achieve the revised target of a 2021 completion date.
The Covid-19 situation following an incredibly wet winter seriously affected the plans to complete the remaining dry section of channel, to link the national network with the newly constructed winding hole terminus at Crickheath.
Preparatory work on this 330m section began in January 2019 to remove trees and vegetation in preparation for the installation of great crested newt fencing. A period of newt entrapment then followed from February up to June 2019.
Ecologists handed this section over to the Shropshire Union Canal Society in June 2019 and ground work took place until March of this year.
Due to the unstable nature of the ground, which has a deep bed of peat and sections of running sand, a decision was taken to engage contractors, starting in July, to conduct the complex remedial work needed in two specific sunken areas to catch up with the considerable amount of lost time.
This will allow the other tasks such as installing a land drain, and some shaping and lining, to continue when work parties resume.
Volunteers classified by the NHS as high risk will not be allowed on site until national clearance is given. Medium risk volunteers will be advised to attend later in the year. The number of volunteers will be kept to a minimum and a strict code of working practice will be observed, including face masks, appropriate PPE and a rigorous regime of disinfection.
There is obviously a deep sense of frustration regarding the enforced lay-off, but the contingency measures being devised and the incredible will and enthusiasm of the volunteers will see the project through to completion.