Project launched to improve canal path

The aim of the new initiative is to provide a high standard of towpath along the stretch of the canal between St Martins and Gledrid to make it more accessible and user-friendly.

The initiative is being driven by St Martins man Ron Jones, who also serves on Selattyn and Gobowen Parish Council.

Mr Jones said improvements were necessary to the stretch of towpath so it was easily accessible all year round.

He said during the wetter months parts of the towpath become muddy and difficult to use.

Mr Jones said: "What I am trying to do is to get money to improve that stretch of towpath because I think it does need to be resurfaced.

"I would say we are talking about a couple of miles of towpath but the work would bring so many benefits if we are able to really improve the towpath.

"You would need about a metre-wide towpath, four inches of stone and an inch of limestone dust to create a really good towpath that everybody could use."

Mr Jones said he had already held talks with representatives from the Canal and River Trust, the group responsible for the country's waterways.

He said: "I am told I need to try to get a group together to access the money needed for the project. I am pretty hopeful I can get the local parish councils to support it but there is a need to show public support for the plan as well so money from people like the lottery can be given.

"The use of the canal has really grown in recent years and boating holidays are really popular now. You also have lots of people walking along the towpath and cycling and running.

"It is a real asset to this area and we must do what we can to make the most of it. Ideally you would want a high standard of towpath all along so people can easily access it and get to places such as the Lion Quays Hotel and The Poachers Pocket at Gledrid.

"And if you walk further along you get to Chirk Bank where the World Heritage Site starts which is a wonderful asset.

"Patches of the towpath are not very good and some of if does need improving.

"If we get the improvements more people will use the towpath which bring obvious health and tourism benefits."

The use of the Llangollen Canal has increased considerably in recent years, particularly after a section of it was awarded World Heritage Site status, giving it the same status other global landmarks such as the Taj Mahal and the Great Barrier Reef.

Famous visitors along the canal have included Hollywood actor Harrison Ford. The Indiana Jones star and his actress wife Calista Flockhart hired a canal boat to cruise the waterway in 2004.

People interested in helping support the project are asked to call (01691) 777611.