Help save the Mon & Brec
THE FUTURE OF the 35 miles Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal has been threatened by new legislation.
Which has left it at risk of running dry, Janet Friend reports.
And so Glandŵr Cymru, the Canal & River Trust in Wales, is urging the canal loving public to show their support for the under threat Mon & Brec.
Principal feed
The canal’s principal feed of water comes from the Usk river at Brecon with the water then returned to the river further down the waterway.
But the new legislation means that Glandŵr Cymru is now required by law to obtain licences to draw water from the river.
Mark Evans, director at Glandŵr Cymru, explained:
“The Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal is still navigated by boats just as it has been for hundreds of years. It remains one of the most popular canals for holidaying—whether on foot, by bike, or aboard one of the many holiday hire boats which accommodate visitors from all over the world.
“Our charity looks after this wonderful haven for people and nature and is committed to doing all we can to keep the canal open.
“This year, more than ever before, we want people to show their support for the canal—both by visiting to experience the unique character of the waterway and by joining the campaign to ensure that the canal has a sustainable long-term water supply.”
“As an emergency measure we have diverted money away from planned maintenance and repairs across our canal network to secure a water supply this summer. However, it isn’t sustainable for our charity to bear this cost alone."
Keep the canal alive
It is hoped to keep the momentum behind the campaign to keep the canal alive. With people being asked to sign the petition calling upon the Welsh Government to help find a sustainable future for the canal which, in the last few weeks, has already reached over 13,000 signatories.