Llangollen hosts latest ‘Aqueduct & Canal’ heritage forum

‘Pontcysyllte Aqueduct & Canal Project’ is an ambitious partnership of British Waterways, Northern Marches Cymru, Wrexham County Borough Council and Cadwyn Clwyd – a direct result of public consultation on the successful World Heritage Site bid.

The project is focusing on the World Heritage Site communities of Chirk Bank, Chirk, Pentre, Froncysyllte, Trevor, Garth, Pontcysyllte, Llangollen, Pentrefelin and Llantysilio, engaging with individuals, businesses, schools and interest groups.

Community development officer, Piers Warburton is hosting the latest community session in Llangollen Town Hall, starting at 7pm with a 9pm finish.

The meeting will open with a presentation on the project followed by a round table discussion among the partners about ways to widen awareness and understanding of the 11-mile corridor.

Initiatives will range from community arts projects through to heritage and biodiversity volunteer work, assisting in maintenance and restoration of sites and features along local sections of the canal corridor.

“Community participation sits at the heart of this project so it is vital we engage with everyone who feels they can contribute to this shared vision. It is open to everyone from retired individuals to school children, offering them opportunities to learn new skills and enrich their lives,” said Mr Warburton.

“When the project ends in 2011, we want to leave a healthy community legacy based on the abundant heritage and wide biodiversity of this history rich area,” he added.

This project has received funding through the Rural Development Plan for Wales 2007-2013, which is funded by the Welsh Assembly Government and the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development.

Community Development Officer Piers Warburton can be contacted on 07920 810349 or at piers.warburton@britishwaterways.co.uk.