Mon and Brec shock, our friends will suffer..

News from South Wales..

I was horrified to get this email from Waterscape informing me that the Mon & Brec Canal may well be shut for the whole of next season between Talybont and Llanover because of the breach recently at Gilwern..

Photo from The Mon and Brec Canal Trust – Click here for more photos

“Following the major breach on the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal at Gilwern on 16th October, British Waterways is continuing a series of meetings with boating operators, private boaters and other local stakeholders to discuss options for reopening the waterway and the impact of its closure.

The seriousness of the breach and the location where it occurred has led British Waterways to carry out a detailed geotechnical survey of a 16-mile stretch of the canal, from Llanover to Talybont (bridges 84 to 141). Initial assessments indicate that significant works may be required to secure the canal infrastructure and that there is therefore every likelihood that the affected stretch of canal will not be available for cruising next year.

Julie Sharman, general manager for Wales & Border Counties, explains; "Our top priority is to secure the future and safety of this canal, which is arguably one of the most
beautiful and popular cruising waterways in Britain. We are increasingly of the view that the best option for the canal is to carry out a major programme of renovation across the central 16 mile length. Our investigation over the next six weeks will give us a much clearer picture as to how we might best achieve this."

"Although a closure next year may be the best way to secure the long term future of the canal, we know it will have a huge impact on boating businesses, individual boaters and the local community. That is why we have already started meetings with those involved with a view to minimising that impact."

The canal and associated waterside businesses from Talybont to Brecon and Llanover to Cwmbran remain unaffected by the works. The towpath remains open to the public.”

I immediately thought of Phil and Sue Ware of Country Craft Narrowboats.  We hired from them for around about 4 years before retiring, I absolutely adore the Mon & Brec.  Phil and Sue are such a lovely couple, I hate to think what it is going to do to their business.  I hope they will be able to survive without any hireboats leaving their lovely location.  I wonder if BW will give them compensation, and I wonder too how much it is going to cost to do all that work.

But I am not totally surprised at this major closure to be honest, the canal keeps on breaching, and I can’t remember how many times it has breached at Gilwern, quite a few I have heard of over the recent years.

Sad, very sad.