Plan to save listed Aberdulais aqueduct
IWA is working closely with the Neath & Tennant Canals Trust to protect and repair Aberdulais Aqueduct on the Neath and Tennant Canals. The aqueduct is in a poor state following flood events causing significant damage to the structure.
The aqueduct on the Tennant Canal restoration project is a Grade II*-listed building and Scheduled Ancient Monument. Thankfully, its protection status has saved it from demolition.
IWA has had conversations with Natural Resources Wales and the local council. There are concerns that both organisations would support the removal of the aqueduct to alleviate local flooding issues. IWA is also supporting the local trust to rebuild relationships with residents and work with the Save the Tennant Canal group to create further pressure at a local level.
In August 2021 IWA successfully applied for a CADW (a Welsh word meaning ‘to keep’ or ‘to protect’) grant to cover the cost of a structural survey of the aqueduct. A survey is needed to get a better idea of the scale of the repair work and potential cost implications. Mann Williams, which specialises in creative conservation of historic buildings and structures, undertook the survey. The survey results will inform the next stage of the campaign to save this heritage gem.