Montgomery Canal Conservation Management Strategy (1.2MB PDF)

9. A COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP
Summary of chapter
The philosophy for the restoration and future use of the canal is to strengthen local and community links,
and build a greater affinity with the canal. The improvement of these links will be through local groups
and organisations, and through greater communication and sharing of information. Particular support will be
given to enabling the growth and development of the Friends of Montgomery Canal.
As part of the preparation of this strategy, the Partnership engaged in a very thorough public consultation
exercise. This included attending eight local fairs and events, three public meetings, in Oswestry, Welshpool
and Newtown, and a range of visits and meetings with special interest groups and parish councils. During
this time 500 questionnaires were returned and analysed. Further responses have been received to the
consultation draft of this document.
Key results were 94% strongly agreeing with restoration, with a majority for low key restoration orientated to
conservation. An important minority were supportive of a more commercial scheme seeking to generate jobs
through greatly improved visitor facilities. Pedestrian access and better mowing of the towpath were the
areas most favoured for improvement, and built heritage, followed by wildlife, were the aspects most valued
at present.
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