THE restoration of nearly a mile of the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal that has been taking place during the winter months is to be opened to the public.
Described as the biggest project on the canal system undertaken this year at Llangattock, the entire bed of the drained canal will be open to the public on Sunday 19th March, Alan Tilbury reports.
Walk along the bed
People will be able walk along the bed of the waterway, with people from Canal & River Trust on hand to explain what has taken place and tell of the techniques used in the work to repair the section of waterway.
One challenge that had to be overcome was that trees by the side of the waterway could not be felled as they were home to bats.
Since November
The cost of the repairs was £3 millions with £2.53 millions funded by the Welsh Government, it taking a team of around 30 working since November to complete the work, with the section being filled after the public inspection.
The Mon & Brec is known for its breaches, it being built in 'sandy' soil, with one breach (pictured) costing so much to repair that it resulted in the Canal & River Trust withdrawing from the Cotswold Canals restoration, that was a huge blow to those intent upon restoring the disused waterway.
Entry
Entry to the Mon & Brec work is at Llangattock Wharf, Llangattock, Powys, NP8 1LZ. Parking is available at Beacon Park Boats, The Boathouse, Hillside Road, Llangattock, Powys, NP8 1EQ. Opening is from 10am to 4pm, with the last entry into the canal at 3.30pm.