Next phase in canal plan finished

The Montgomery Canal fell into disrepair 60 years ago

The latest phase of a multi-million pound re-development of a historic canal has been completed.

Work is under way to link the Montgomery canal system in mid Wales with the English network in Shropshire.

It was built in 1821 but abandoned in 1944 and work to reopen it up to boats started more than 30 years ago.

The latest restoration work has seen a half-mile stretch completed between Gronwen and Redwith Bridge near Oswestry.

'Special scientific interest'

Up to 25 miles of the canal is in Wales with the remaining 10 miles in England.

Last year, a 20-year project to restore all 21 locks along the entire canal was completed.

Stephen Lees, restoration project manager, said the latest work had restored the original channel, a small coal wharf at Redwith had been rebuilt and a timber bridge had been built.

The canal is also a site of special scientific interest and is one the best in Britain for wildlife and aquatic plants, British Waterways said.