Latest news on 33 million canal plan
In an exciting development, Forestry Commission Wales has joined the £33 million Big Lottery Canals Regeneration project to regenerate the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canals from Cwmbran to Cwmcarn. An application will be submitted to the Big Lottery Fund for a £25 million grant towards the overall cost of the scheme. The Big Lottery Fund will make a decision later this year.
Forestry Commission Wales has joined the team as the project now plans to link the end of the canal in Cwmcarn through Cwmcarn Forest Drive, (which is jointly run by Caerphilly Council and the Forestry Commission Wales) to Cwmbran through signposted footpaths and cycle routes over Mynydd Maen. This will widen the appeal of the project through the joining up of communities to further share in the regeneration benefits. The project will also link into the proposals to regenerate Cwmbran town centre, which could include the creation of a new Canal Basin adjacent to the town centre.
If the bid is successful it will bring huge benefits to the region. A revitalised canal will be a regeneration boost that will attract more 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: "The partnership team are working flat out to ensure that the bid to the Big Lottery Fund has got the best chance of success."
The other partners are Torfaen, Newport, and Caerphilly Councils, along with British Waterways, and Monmouthshire, Brecon and Abergavenny Canal Trust.
Public meetings, workshops and exhibitions will be held to get the views and ideas of local residents and businesses. A public meeting will be held in Torfaen in April. Call 01633 648012 or email rob.frowen@torfaen.gov.uk| for more information.