REPAIR work on an aqueduct on the Montgomery Canal will aid wildlife and keep the canal restoration project pushing forward.
Work has recently been completed on the Aberbechan Aqueduct, between the restored canal in Shropshire, which is connected to the national canal network, and the isolated Welshpool section north of Refail, near Berriew. Aberbechan Aqueduct lies on the unrestored section six miles south of Berriew.
The aqueduct is over 200 years old, dating from the construction of the canal’s last stage into Newtown in 1819. Over the years the aqueduct has weakened and the current work is to reinforce the structure and ensure it is watertight.
Michael Limbrey, chairman of the Montgomery Waterway Restoration Trust, said: “The aqueduct is actually vitally important for the water supply for half the canal, through Berriew and Welshpool to the lowest section near Arddleen where it returns to the Severn. This is part of the Special Area of Conservation, designated under the European Habitats Directive and now part of UK law.
“Left to itself of course the canal would become weeded up and the more fragile species would be crowded out so restoration has included the investment of millions of pounds to ensure protected spaces for the flora and fauna. This includes making sure there is a constant water supply which would be at risk if this little aqueduct should fail.”
The Montgomery Canal, part of the Shropshire Union Canal system, runs from Frankton Junction near Ellesmere through Welshpool to Newtown. It was closed in 1936 and restoration started in Welshpool in 1969. Since then volunteers of Shropshire Union Canal Society and the Inland Waterways Association’s Waterway Recovery Group have spent thousands of days working to restore locks, bridges and weirs on the canal. It is now 60% restored.
Mr Limbrey added: “The aqueduct carries the towpath which is itself a valuable amenity for anyone to walk, fish, cycle or jog along the canal. It is possible to use the towpath as a route right along the borders to the World Heritage Site at Llangollen. Restoring this little aqueduct is good for wildlife, preserves a feature of the canal’s heritage, and ensures that visitors and local residents can continue to enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the canal.”
