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New towpath section opens on Montgomery Canal

25th Jun 2010

An upgraded section of the Montgomery Canal opens today linking Powys with the shores of Cardigan Bay at Aberystwyth.

A partnership between Powys County Council and British Waterways has upgraded three kilometres of towpath along the Montgomery Canal to an all-weather surface that will benefit the growing number of waterway visitors and communites along the towpath corridor.

This key length forms one of just a handful of traffic free stretches along the 75-mile Lon Cambria National Cycling Route linking Shrewsbury with Aberystwyth via Welshpool, Newtown and Llanidloes.

This waterside stretch runs between the scenic villages of Abermule and Aberbechan. It is the latest phase in a strategic programme of towpath improvements which is opening up access along the Montgomery Canal south of Welshpool – already a popular leisure route.

The £180k project has been funded by the Welsh Assembly Government through Powys County Council, with works undertaken by British Waterways.

British Waterways Regeneration Manager Jason Leach says the previous towpath was in poor condition, so the upgrade will improve access to this picturesque waterway for a broad spectrum of customers.

Local communities will benefit

“The project will open up the waterway for the benefit of local communities, in addition to forming a gateway to attract more visitors to this stunning waterway and its heritage rich corridor,” said Jason. “The inclusive towpath design means people with mobility restrictions will also be able to take greater advantage of this wonderful amenity."

Towpath improvements like this are now carefully targeted toward creating multi-user routes linking urban centres to rural destinations. They bring in increased footfall and visitor spend, while contributing toward the core vision of doubling waterway visitor numbers by 2012.

Councillor Geraint Hopkins, Powys County Council Board Member for Transport: added: “The Council is delighted to support the development of the Montgomery Canal towpath as a shared-use route for public access. It provides a strategic link in the development of walking and cycling routeways through the county as part of the Local Transport Plan.”

Last updated: 25/06/2010

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