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A historic canal facing a severe water shortage will be receiving an emergency water supply to prevent it from running dry within days. The Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal, managed by the Canal and River Trust, has diverted funds meant for repairs to purchase a temporary water supply from Welsh Water. However, this solution is only temporary, as the charity cannot bear the financial burden of up to £100,000 a week if the dry weather persists.
Water will now be sourced from the Usk Reservoir between Brecon and Llandovery starting from Saturday, with costs varying depending on rainfall and river levels. The trust has redirected funds away from planned maintenance and repairs to secure this emergency water supply, impacting its maintenance program and posing a risk to the canal network in England and Wales.
The challenges faced by the canal were highlighted in a letter sent to local businesses by Glandŵr Cymru in February, explaining that recent legislative changes necessitate water licenses now, restricting the amount of water that can be extracted. A petition in the Senedd with over 10,000 signatures is urging the Welsh government to intervene and help preserve the canal, which could dry out in a matter of days without immediate action.
Richard Parry, CEO of the Canal and River Trust, emphasized the unsustainability of a charity shouldering the financial burden of this new legislative requirement, calling for urgent long-term solutions to secure the canal’s future. While the short-term agreement with Welsh Water provides some relief, a lasting solution is still necessary to ensure the continued operation and preservation of the historic canal and its surrounding ecology
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
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