Shropshire Union Canal volunteers visit Schoolhouse Bridge on the Montgomery Canal.
A spokesperson said, “Volunteers on Friday downed tools on their ongoing restoration project at Crickheath south on the Montgomery canal, and trudged off down the towpath of the unrestored section of the canal, possibly singing a merry song – or possibly not – as they went to visit Don Howell and his team from Beaver Bridges, the contractors that have been building Schoolhouse Bridge in Long Lane, Crickheath, near Oswestry”.
The original bridge was removed by Shropshire Council in the 1960s so the new one has been built, from scratch, over the last few months after some six years of planning and fundraising and Don, the project manager, explained the process, “Firstly, there were many, many meeting with plans discussed and formulated, then we had Covid, then some budget issues but, in April this year we cleared the site and dug a massive hole. We were helped by fact that the canal restoration has not reached the bridge yet so, no water to worry about and the weather has been kind, not hot, but kind and the bridge is now structurally built, there’s just the surrounding area to do, then put the road back – mustn’t forget that! It’s going to look wonderful and I’m sure it will enthuse everyone to help with the restoration to Llanymynech soon, and eventually to Welshpool”.
Michael Limbrey, a leading light in the Montgomery restoration project since the 1970s, said “I’m obviously thrilled that the bridge is being built – it represents years of hard work for many people and it may seem counter-intuitive to build a bridge over dry land, but it is the last major road obstacle on the English section of the canal and I’m sure its completion will encourage both private and public funding to bring the canal back to its watery glory. Of course, if anyone feels they can help either financially or as a volunteer, they will be made most welcome”.
If you’ve been inspired by the canal restoration, and would like to learn more, go to https://themontgomerycanal.org.uk/restore/
Shropshire Union Canal volunteers visit Schoolhouse Bridge on the Montgomery Canal.
