Our purpose is to raise awareness of the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal here in the borough of Torfaen.
We achieve this by working closely with all parties associated with this Canal and through consistent communication with our community.
Our objectives and goals are structured around three pillars:
1. Resolving community issues and concerns.
2. Promoting wide use.
3. Preserving history.
We recognise the overall importance of the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal and are focused on guaranteeing its future is successful, for the benefit of all the Canal users and the wider community.
This group was initiated to raise awareness of a section of the Canal that had been left in an unnavigable state. Bridge 46 down to Five Locks was blocked off to boats for three years by Developers, who needed to replace the old Bridge 46 to serve a new housing estate being built in south Sebastopol. The water depth under the new Bridge 46 left at just inches with no boats able to pass.
With all the hard work completed by this group, in supporting each other, sharing information, and maintaining pressure on the responsible parties, in October 2021 navigation was restored to Five Locks, Pontnewydd.
It is important to remember that the local authority have ownership, control, and moral guardianship of the Canal south of Bridge 47, 1.2 km of that is currently navigable to Five Locks, with the remainder to to Pentre Lane currently unnavigable. This section was cut off years ago as Cwmbran New Town developed.
With this development expanding (Sept 2023), and with plans for a new bridge south side of Cwmbran tunnel, we continue to work closely with the Local Authority and Developers.
Beyond returning navigation for boats, the group has been instrumental in helping make much needed improvements to the section of canal between Bridge 46 and Five Locks, Pontnewydd. We have worked with the local authority and its ecology team to help manage vegetation, both along the towpath and the canal itself. We have also worked to install new waste bins, signage, new fences and mooring bollards.
Our group has also communicated to the local authority about changes required to facilities at Five Locks and the need to maintain others facilities in this area. We have restored a lost tradition in reinstating the Boater’s Book, obtained clarification on anglers rights, seen better care for wildlife and shared extensive knowledge of the Canal. The group have also been successful in securing National Lottery Heritage Funding for a history and well being trail.
We have seen action from responsible parties, online information updated, tourism increase and headlines in the press. We have built good relationships with the Local Authority and engaged a wonderful community by holding regular events along the canal.
Our purpose is to raise awareness of the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal here in the borough of Torfaen.
We achieve this by working closely with all parties associated with this Canal and through consistent communication with our community.
Our objectives and goals are structured around three pillars:
1. Resolving community issues and concerns.
2. Promoting wide use.
3. Preserving history.
We recognise the overall importance of the Monmouthshire and...
