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World Heritage bid for Telford's aqueduct

19th Oct 2005

Thomas Telford’s towering 200-year old Pontcysyllte Aqueduct is in the spotlight for a potential UNESCO World Heritage Site bid, delegates heard at the National Assembly’s All Party Group on Waterways on Tuesday 11 October 2005.

As Pontcysyllte Aqueduct’s bicentenary celebrations culminate on 26 November with a spectacular re-enactment of the 1805 opening, support is being sought for a World Heritage Site bid for this Grade 1 Listed structure, which serves the busiest waterway in Britain. The Pontcysyllte Aqueduct is already on the tentative list of UK sites with potential to be put forward for World Heritage Site designation.

At the All Party Group on Waterways, delegates also heard presentations from Caerphilly County Borough Council and British Waterways, both highlighting how Wales’ waterways offer innovative sustainable development solutions, where economic gains are balanced by social and environmental benefits.

The All Party Group on Waterways is one of the most popular interest groups sponsored by Assembly Members, drawing interested experts and members of the public to consider and discuss the tremendous potential of Wales’ natural and built waterways. Recent talks include Wales Watersports International’s marketing plan, the Monmouthshire, Brecon and Abergavenny Canals Trust’s presentation on 21 years of voluntary work and the Wales Canoe Association’s view of the potential for this sport in Wales.

The Pontcysyllte Aqueduct now requires strong support from the Welsh Assembly Government and the UK Government if the UNESCO bid is to go further.

Last updated: 22/10/2008