Massive step forward on the Monty
ANOTHER massive step forward to the Montgomery Canal near Crickheath has been achieved with more than 3000 building blocks put on top of blankets of waterproof lining material to weight them down.
This has resulted in a further 50m of completed channel. Some detailed work was done to bring the top edge into line, with a hefty session of angle grinding.
Heritage Lottery Fund money that has financed the project will end in October, so all work needs to be completed by the end of that month.
The final few metres of untreated channel were shaped to the precise angle, so the next work party will see a change of emphasis. Lining and blocking will continue to cover this last 60m section. Stone riprap and soil will also be added to a hundred metres of lining material between the top of the blocking and the towpath edge, using power barrows to transport the material. Riprap is put down at water level to break up the wash from passing boats and prevent erosion.
More volunteers will be very welcome for the work parties to be held in September and October when work will take place in earnest to put down 300m of wooden edging, to frame the resurfacing of the towpath. Interested people should visit shropshireunion. org.uk for details of dates and contacts.
Advanced planning is taking place for the next project beyond Crickheath Bridge which will begin in 2023.