The Montgomery Waterway Restoration Trust has welcomed restoration work at Aberbechan Aqueduct, 2¼ miles from Newtown.
The work is part of the Montgomery Canal Levelling-Up programme run by Powys County Council in conjunction with the Canal & River Trust with assistance from Cadw, the Welsh Government’s historic environment service.
Most of this work involves improvements between the restored canal in Shropshire, which is connected to the national canal network, and the isolated Welshpool section north of Refail, near Berriew. Aberbechan Aqueduct lies on the unrestored section six miles south of Berriew.
The aqueduct is over 200 years old, dating from the construction of the canal’s last stage into Newtown in 1819. Over the years the aqueduct has weakened and the current work is to reinforce the structure and ensure it is watertight.
Michael Limbrey, Chairman of the Montgomery Waterway Restoration Trust, said: “This is quite a significant project on an aqueduct which might look insignificant. The aqueduct is actually vitally important for the water supply for half the canal, through Berriew and Welshpool to the lowest section near Arddleen where it returns to the Severn.
“This is part of the Special Area of Conservation, designated under the European Habitats Directive and now part of UK law. Left to itself of course the canal would become weeded up and the more fragile species would be crowded out so restoration has included the investment of millions of pounds to ensure protected spaces for the flora and fauna. This includes making sure there is a constant water supply which would be at risk if this little aqueduct should fail.
“As well as its plants and wildlife the Montgomery Canal is noted for its many canal-age structures and Aberbechan Aqueduct is one which is another reason for it to be preserved. The aqueduct carries the towpath which is itself a valuable amenity for anyone to walk, fish, cycle or jog along the canal. It is possible indeed to use the towpath as a route right along the borders to the World Heritage Site at Llangollen. We must not forget either the hundreds who over the years have come to take part in the Montgomery Canal Triathlon by cycling, canoeing and walking or running from Newtown across the border into Shropshire.
“So restoring this little aqueduct is good for wildlife, preserves a feature of the canal’s built heritage, and ensures that visitors and local residents can continue to enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the canal”, said Michael.
