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Newhouse Lock re-opens

12th Jul 2006

Sunday 25 June saw the close of another chapter in the Montgomery Canal restoration with the re-opening of Newhouse Lock.

This brings the tally of locks restored on the Welsh section of the Montgomery Canal to an impressive 11 out of 15. Newhouse Lock was also the final lock in British Waterways ownership to need restoration.

The Shropshire Union Canal Society (SUCS) made the decision to restore Newhouse Lock in 2001. Since then, the society have overcome numerous problems including damage to the offside lock wall and increases in costs. However, the hard work and commitment of all involved have led to this complex project being completed ahead of schedule and under budget.

Funding and support for the restoration of Newhouse Lock came from the Hertitage Lottery Fund, British Waterways, Powys County Council and the Inland Waterways Association - with a further £1,000 being donated by a member of SUCS.

Work done by the SUCS volunteers has included the rebuilding of brick appproach walls, rebuilding 30 metres of the stone approach wall, dismantling and rebuilding the southern parapet of the bridge and a complete rebuild of the bywash weir and culvert entrance. This is in addition to various ancillary tasks such as hedge laying, towpath diversion and towpath resurfacing, bollard installation and landscaping the site.

The lock was opened by Lembit Opik, MP for Montgomeryshire.

Last updated: 22/10/2008