The latest phase of the Montgomery Canal restoration project has been completed – bringing the dream of linking England and Wales via the closed waterway ever closer.
THE latest phase of the Montgomery Canal restoration project has been completed – bringing the dream of linking the two countries via the closed waterway ever closer.
Volunteers completed the latest stage in the project, the restoration of the 18th century Tramway Wharf Wall at Crickheath in Shropshire.
It was part of the section from Crickheath Bridge, which is being excavated and lined, so it can once again allow navigation.
The workers left a surprise time capsule – a 2024 King Charles III 50p hidden somewhere in the repaired wall. The location will remain secret so it may be found by future restorers.
The Shropshire Union Canal Society is behind the work and its own team of volunteers was supplemented by dozens of corporate helpers.
Corporate helpers
A society spokesman said: “We were joined by nine corporate volunteers from Practice Plan in Oswestry. They undertook valuable vegetation clearance work around recently-planted hedging whips.
“With the society’s regular volunteers fully occupied with channel and towpath restoration activities, this was an enormous help. Thanks to all of them for their hard work.
“So far this year, 44 corporate volunteers have joined us for a day, which must be something of a record.”
The wall work started last year, and with support from members of the Dry Stone Walling Association, over 100 metres has been restored.
“There have been plenty of challenges along the way, not least from the condition of the wall but most notably from a site that steadfastly remained under water much longer than expected due to the extraordinarily wet winter,” added the spokesman.
Tidy work
Other work completed included tidying banks above the wall and profiling the channel ready for lining and blocking.
Part of the 200 metre long towpath was also restored during the work party.
The Montgomery Canal, which links England and Wales, closed to boating in the 1930s following a serious breach of the banks near Frankton Locks in Shropshire. It was never repaired and was left to decline.
Restoration started in 1969 and has continued with the reopening of 20 miles of canal and 35 miles of towpaths.
Work is funded by various organisations including Shropshire Council, the Government’s Levelling Up Fund and donations from the public. There are also dozens of volunteers who regularly give their time to the project.
To find out more about the Montgomery Canal and the Shropshire Gap visit themontgomerycanal.org.uk or shropshireunion.org.uk
