Email: Contributing to restoration

The comments of Mike Chase and Mike Friend show how much Shropshire Union Canal Society and Waterway Recovery Group are contributing to the restoration of the Montgomery Canal.

It is disappointing therefore to hear of enthusiasts criticising the activities of other enthusiasts, whether on the Montgomery Canal or anywhere else, particularly since they all want to see their canal restored.

WRG and SUCS have a fine record of work on the Montgomery Canal over 40 years, and the restoration would not have the support that it has, locally and nationally, without the efforts of hundreds (or more) of their volunteers from all across the country and beyond.

The next section we want to see in water is the length to Crickheath winding hole, which SUCS and WRG are working on. Obviously the first stages of restoration of any derelict canal involve clearing the site: anyone who visits the WRG-constructed Aston Nature Reserve should be aware that it too was cleared first, yet now it is a haven for wildlife and flora and a charming place to walk.

Restoration of the Montgomery has not been without its difficulties: there are now trunk road crossings and many miles of navigable waterway where there were none when I first knew the canal. Restoration strategy is carefully managed by the Montgomery Canal Partnership, which includes British Waterways, the local authorities, the Montgomery Waterway Restoration Trust and representatives of the voluntary organisations.

Further information is available through the Montgomery Canal Forum: this is an open meeting and anyone interested in the future of the Montgomery Canal will be welcome. The next Forum will be at The Guildhall, Shrewsbury at 2.30pm on Tuesday 12th July 2011.

Michael Limbrey
Chairman, Montgomery Waterway Restoration Trust