Plans for the Monty

THE Canal & River Trust in Wales, is to host a public meeting in the Carreghofa, Llanymynech and Pant areas to give canal enthusiasts and local residents a say on the type of community activities they would like to see along the Montgomery Canal.

This has been brought about by the award of a £16,200 development grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund, and plans for a further grant. However it seems boating will be well down the agenda, as the Trust will be working with no less than the 14 organisations which make up the Montgomery Canal Partnership.

Community activities

We are told the community activities should be:

* Related to the canal heritage, its future or its wildlife.

* Of a recreational nature or to develop skills.

* Delivered through taster sessions, community events or family-fun days.

The consultation meeting is to be held in the Llanymynech Village Hall between 10.00am and 2.00pm on Saturday 10th January. There will also be wildlife craft activities for children.

Montgomery Canal Community Development Officer, Sylvia Edwards tells us: "Thanks to the Heritage Lottery Fund support and National Lottery players, Glandŵr Cymru has an exciting opportunity to put together a package of community activities focused on the Montgomery Canal. Now we want the public's views to help us put together a programme for everyone.

"To realise the full heritage and recreational potential of this restoration project, Glandŵr Cymru wants to involve as many people as possible within the canal corridor through a wide range of community activities."

Enlarge nature reserve

The project also aims to complete the enlargement of Aston Locks nature reserve, extending the conservation of important aquatic plants, restoring historic bridges and carrying out further studies to secure the full funding needed for the project.