Kirsty calls for support for Monmouthshire & Brecon canal (Kirsty Williams AM )

Cymraeg
English

Kirsty Williams AM <info@kirstywilliams.org.uk>

Kirsty calls for support for Monmouthshire & Brecon canal

November 4, 2009 12:00 AM

Kirsty is pictured with the owners of Cambrian Cruisers; Andrew Stumpf (Head of Regeneration); David Morgan (Regeneration Manager); and Kevin Phillips (Waterways Supervisor) of British waterways.

Following a visit to the Monmouthshire & Brecon canal Kirsty Williams AM for Brecon and Radnorshire has called for greater recognition and support for this important asset to the local community and economy.

Kirsty walked from Brynich Lock to Peterstone Wood, stopping to meet with Cambrian Cruisers and then finishing at Store House cottage. The walk gave Kirsty a chance discuss current issues affecting the canal, whilst the visit to Cambrian Cruisers gave an opportunity to meet one of the businesses directly supported by the canal.

Speaking after the visit Kirsty Williams said: "I was delighted to see how the canal and its associated businesses have picked-up so successfully since the breach. It was great to see the path being used so fully by locals and tourists, with cyclists, walkers and boaters passing in a continuous stream.

"When we talk about water activities we tend to focus on sports such as canoeing or fishing but it is important not to forget that our canals provide for a whole host of activities from barging through to walking and cycling. They are not only an important attraction to bring visitors into the area and to support our local economies and businesses such as Cambrian cruisers but they are also a free resource for local people and families to use, which promotes good health and wellbeing.

"Following my visit I have invited the Minister for Finance and Public Service Delivery, to visit the canal and to discuss the issues relating to this waterway and to see first hand how important the canal is to the local area."

British Waterways Wales & West Head of Regeneration Andrew Stumpf said the visit had given Kirsty a timely update on this vital economic artery, which has just completed its first full visitor season following the breach of October 2007.

"The Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal is a fundamental part of the regional economy so it was imperative that we invested in its immediate repair," said Mr Stumpf.

"Kirsty has always been keenly aware just how important this waterway is, both to local communities and the visitor economy. We must now look to the future and the need to bring in the partnership funding that will deliver its full potential," he added.

Notes

British Waterways is the public corporation responsible for the care and enhancement of the nation's 2,200-mile, two centuries-old network of canals and rivers. We work in partnership with public, private and voluntary sector organisations to realise the full social, environmental and economic potential of the waterways for the benefit of all. www.britishwaterways.co.uk