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Heritage bridge re-vamped

11th Aug 2006

Another piece in the Montgomery Canal restoration jigsaw has been slotted into place with the renovation of historic Pant Bridge near Llanymynech on the Anglo-Welsh border.

The bridge was built between 1794 and 1797 in the industrial heyday of the area, when Llanymynech branch of the Ellesmere Canal was built to serve major lime workings a mile to the south.

Its two archways form a unique feature on the Montgomery Canal. The smaller archway was constructed to accommodate the incline tramway from Pant Quarry to a small wharf immediately south of the bridge which appeared later around 1850.

The recent work was commissioned by Shropshire County Council after it had been identified that the bridge was beginning to show signs of structural distress. It involved constructing a reinforced concrete saddle over the top of both arches. A painted steel rail has also been added to the top of each parapet wall in order to increase their height; this being necessary due to the road having been raised to accommodate the new saddle.

British Waterways Wales & Border Counties Project Manager for the Montgomery Canal restoration, Stephen Lees acknowledged the invaluable support of the council.

"The protection and conservation of the historic attributes of the canal are key to its long term future as a restored waterway and tourist destination," said Mr Lees.

"The Montgomery Canal has 128 listed buildings and structures along its length – three times the national average for canals.

"The rural nature of the canal means many original features have survived but now require active restoration. The overall plan for the waterway includes establishing a conservation area along its entire length. This will help both in conserving the character of the canal corridor and drawing in additional sources of grant aid," he added.

The initiative links into a separate £940,000 project to restore Llanymynech Heritage Area. This project includes restoring the Hoffman Kiln, creating an education centre and upgrading pathways, including some of the old incline tramways.

This is being led by Shropshire County Council with funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund, Oswestry Borough Council, British Waterways Wales & Border Counties, plus Shropshire and Powys Wildlife Trusts.

Last updated: 22/10/2008