The Shropshire Union Canal Society gratefully acknowledges the grant of £1,500 by the Oswestry Rural Parish Council towards the cost of improving the Montgomery Canal towpath near Crickheath Bridge.
Each year, Oswestry Rural Parish Council awards grants to voluntary organisations and community groups which in the opinion of the council are in the interests of the local community.
SUCS submitted an application in January 2023 with aims as follows:
- Improve the towpath through Crickheath village for the immediate benefit of residents and other towpath users.
- As part of the overall restoration of the Montgomery Canal, help unlock the long term economic, social and ecological benefits that this will provide to the Oswestry area.
Normally, towpath restoration occurs towards the end of the project to avoid risk of damage whilst other construction activities are underway. Given the current condition of the towpath, a number of village residents have asked if the towpath in this area can be improved earlier in the overall project. Having assessed the feasibility, the Society believes it is possible to modify previous work practices to improve the towpath during summer 2023.
The application was approved by the Parish Council at the end of March 2023 and It is planned to start work at the May 2023 work party.
Oswestry Rural Parish Council is providing the materials and the Society will provide the facilities, equipment, coordination and expertise.
Until the Society completes the towpath works at the end of the project to the same standard as found north of the bridge, this will provide a level path of compacted aggregate and overcome the slip and trip hazards from mud and tree roots.
