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Reconstructed Mon & Brec looks to a bright new future

16th Oct 2008

The Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal is preparing to meet the new visitor season head on – fully repaired and with a clear vision that will see its leisure and tourism potential flourish.

The anniversary of last year’s breach – 16 October – has been used to showcase the extensive progress made on repairing this waterway, which plays such a vital role in the regional economy.

On course to open March 2009

Work is now firmly focused on the two mile breach site at Gilwern, where the waterway bed is being re-lined, bridges repaired and culverts upgraded.

British Waterways Wales & Border Counties General Manager, Julie Sharman said that the waterway remains on course to re-open for the new visitor season in March 2009.

“We have invested £7.5m immediately to bring the canal back into use and enable it to once more play a key role in the continuing development of the tourism industry in Wales” said Ms Sharman.

“The challenge now is to secure the long term future of this waterway, which represents far more than a leisure amenity for boaters and anglers. The Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal is a major tourism magnet which contributes £17m annually to the economy of Wales” she added.

Securing the future of the canal

Now a strategic group has been established to drive forward the canal’s renaissance. The Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal Strategic Action Group will focus on a three pronged strategy to ensure its objectives (outlined below) are delivered:

• Secure and protect the natural, built and cultural heritage of the canal
• Work to develop a long term strategy for progressing and maintaining regeneration of the canal corridor
• Actively promote the leisure and tourism potential of the waterway

Julie Sharman says the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal Strategic Action Group will bring a unified approach to securing the future of a vital economic asset.

“The group comprises public, private and voluntary organisations which share a common vision – seeing this waterway increase regional prosperity by realising its full leisure and tourism potential,” said Ms Sharman.

“The waterways of Wales have a key role to play in the future prosperity of this country. Through their careful restoration and development, we can showcase their value as a vibrant tourism amenity to the wider world,” she said.

Last updated: 22/10/2008