Last Friday (16th January), at Welshpool Town Hall, a meeting was held to discuss the future development of the Montgomery Canal.
The local AM for Montgomeryshire, Russell George, brought together local politicians and community groups who have an interest in seeing the Montgomery Canal restored to its former glory and once again used to its full potential.
Mr George said:
“I was delighted to be able to bring together interested parties which were unanimous in their vision for the restoration of the Montgomery Canal.
“Over many years, a huge amount of work and fundraising has taken place by organisations such as the Heulwen Trust, Friends of Montgomery Canal, Montgomery Canal Partnership and the Montgomery Waterway Restoration Trust which should be commended.
“While financial obstacles exist, I am keen to play my part to ensure that these barriers are removed so that the development of the Canal can proceed unhindered.
“The restoration of the Canal and the ambition to link it with the Shropshire Union Canal will have untold benefits for tourism and the local economy, not to mention the considerable benefits for the health and wellbeing for local people.
“I’m pleased that the Canal & River Trust have agreed to put together an action plan and I have committed to raising the issue with the Welsh Government to expedite progress.”
The Mayor of Welshpool, Cllr. Malcolm Douglas, who hosted the meeting, added:
“I was delighted to host this extremely productive meeting. It is clear that the restoration of the Montgomery Canal will bring huge benefits to the people of Welshpool and it’s important that we all work together to remove the obstacles to its development.”