Towpath work to start soon (From Free Press Series)

Towpath work to start soon

A COMMUNITY group has finally managed to secure an £84,000 makeover for a two-mile stretch of the Monmouthshire-Brecon canal.

Griffithstown and Sebast-opol Community Group waited four years for money needed to repair the towpath from Soloman's Bridge to the Pontymoile basin.

Spokesman Derek Selby said: "The towpath is full of pot-holes and the poor state of repair has prevented many people from using the area.

"Crown Bridge school, for example, cannot take their pupils out with wheelchairs because of the pot-holes, and elderly people can also have difficulty."

Now, thanks to various funds from Europe, community groups, Torfaen Council, Pontypool Community Council and Biffaward, the first phase of resurfacing is due to start on March 15 for the 1.8-metre wide towpath.

It will be necessary to close the path while some phases of the work are carried out - notices will appear in the Free Press in advance.

"We would particularly like to thank Andrew Osborne, Ruth Reid, Torfaen's countryside division and Vic Warren from Torfaen Environmental Association," added Mr Selby.