33 million plan for canal
The next six months is a busy time for the time behind plans to restore a 9.5km stretch of the canal running through Cwmbran to
Newport. The next stage of the application to the Big Lottery fund has to be submitted in May.
A new canal basin in Cwmbran town centre is also being drawn up in conjunction with the Big Lottery bid.
The £33 million project to re-open the canal through Cwmbran will make it possible for a canal barge to travel from Brecon to Newport. An exciting part of the application is an aqueduct in Cwmbran. If the bid is successful it will bring huge benefits to the region, attracting investment, jobs and tourists. People will become fitter and healthier as they use the canal and towpath for exercise.
Councillor Bob Wellington, Leader of Torfaen Council, said: “Investigations and surveys will now take place to ensure the application has the best possible chance of success.
“Members of the public will see people from the team on the canal bank doing surveys and investigating what we want to do and how we can do it.”
The project is a partnership between Torfaen, Newport and Caerphilly Councils, along with British Waterways and Monmouthshire, Brecon and Abergavenny Canal Trust.
Public meetings and exhibitions will be held to get the views and ideas of local residents and businesses.
The Big Lottery Fund will make a decision in September. The bid also includes the plan to reopen the 2km Newport section from Malpas to Fourteen Locks.
To give your views or for more information call Rob Frowen, Senior Regeneration Officer, on 01633 648012 or email rob.frowen@torfaen.gov.uk|