Bridging the gap: Chance to work on major revamp of Montgomery Canal

The new bridge, on the way to Crickheath on the Shropshire side of the canal, will remove one of the major blockages that can pave the way for the complete restoration of the canal from Newtown to the junction with the Llangollen canal near Ellesmere.

Already £160,000 has been raised, more than half the expected cost of the volunteer-led construction.

Michael Limbrey, chairman of the Montgomery Waterway Restoration Trust, said: “This is possibly the most exciting project in the long history of volunteers working to restore the Montgomery Canal. A qualified volunteer has been working on the design for some months and we now need someone to help carry those plans into effect.

He said the new bridge, a prefabricated segmented concrete arch, will be built with skilled volunteers to reduce costs to a level where the bridge works could be funded.

“We expect construction could take six months and we expect that the preparation could take up to twelve months. We are keen to press on as soon as help can be arranged.

“This is a role that would suit someone retired or in the process of winding down their working life. We envisage a part-time position which could be largely conducted at home so the successful applicant would not have to live in the area.

“We are looking for someone with experience in civil engineering project management who would be able to work with varied skills and abilities. Many of our volunteers will have long experience of working on the Montgomery Canal or on other canal projects across the country, and are qualified to operate the machines they need, some of which are very big.

“Our project manager will work with a team undertaking the restoration under the supervision of the Montgomery Canal Partnership and will also have to ensure the bridge meets the requirements of the highway authority and the Canal & River Trust who own the canal.

“This is a unique opportunity to carry forward a unique canal restoration project. Rebuilding this bridge will open the way to restoration of the last length of derelict canal, which will be targeted after the current lottery-supported channel restoration to Crickheath Wharf has been completed.”

Anyone interested in the position is invited to contact John Dodwell, Chair, Montgomery Canal Partnership at john.dodwell@rolandon.com or 07802-961485. Donations to the Montgomery Waterway Restoration Trust can be made through www.LocalGiving.org/RestoreTheMontgomeryCanal .