Welsh minister visits Montgomery Canal
SECRETARY of State for Wales, Simon Hart MP, recently saw first- hand how the project to extend the navigable section of the Montgomery Canal could boost tourism both sides of the border.
The continuation of the restoration of the canal – with the ambition of linking Mid Wales to Shropshire – is the focus of a £15 million bid by the Canal & River Trust and Powys County Council to the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund.
During his visit, which included a boat trip from Welshpool Wharf, the minister met Montgomeryshire MP Craig Williams, North Shropshire MP Owen Paterson and volunteers at the Montgomery Canal Partnership and Montgomery Waterway Restoration Trust.
Partnership chairman John Dodwell said they had been very pleased that the Secretary of State for Wales had been able to see for himself the great potential which the completion of the restoration of the Montgomery Canal would bring to the people of Powys.
“We hope for a favourable outcome to the recent application to the UK Government for funding. Restoration will not only bring economic benefits through increased visitors but also improve the well-being opportunities for people living in and near the canal corridor, including enhancing the natural and built heritage.”
Trust chairman Michael Limbrey added: “Many of us have been working for a long time to see the Montgomery Canal reopened into Mid Wales. Activity has stepped up in recent years with the Restore the Montgomery Canal! appeal and high- level meetings with Shropshire and Powys Councils.
“It is most exciting to see the latest bid from the Canal & River Trust and Powys County Council for restoration works from the Welsh border at Llanymynech to the Prince of Wales’ section and Welshpool.”
He added: “And it was even more exciting to see the enthusiasm shown by our visitors, the Secretary of State for Wales, the MPs and Senedd member and county council representatives.
“As we anticipate restoration to Crickheath next year, and the reconst ruction of Schoolhouse Bridge, now we hope to see more reopening in the years that follow.”
A previous resident of the county, Mr Hart said it had been fantastic to return to Montgomeryshire and to see the very exciting plans to restore the canal.
“Montgomer yshire is central to the UK Government’s plans for a more visible and active role in Wales, not least through the Mid Wales Growth Deal and the Levelling Up Fund.”
He concluded: “These are the opportunities that will bring real investment, real growth and real jobs to these fantastic communities for years to come.”