* Llangollen Canal could be amongst those under threat.
A funding cut of over £300m poses a “serious
threat” to canals in North Wales, according to an MS.
Llyr Gruffydd, who represents the region in the
Senedd, has branded the sharp reduction as “alarming” and has warned that it
will lead to an “inevitable” decline in the condition of the canal network and
could even result in closures.
The UK Government recently announced a long-term
funding settlement for the Canal & River Trust which includes Glandŵr Cymru
the Canal & River Trust in Wales, for the period from 2027 to 2037.
The network in Wales, includes the Pontcysyllte
Aqueduct, the Chirk Aqueduct and the 11 miles of the Llangollen canal, which
have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Chirk Aqueduct and the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct
were designed by renowned civil engineer Thomas Telford.
Mr Gruffydd, of Plaid Cymru, has said the
“irresponsible” decision by the UK Government puts this UNESCO World Heritage
site “at risk” and has called on Tory ministers to “think again”.
The amount awarded represents a steep reduction in
its funding of over £300 million in real terms over the ten-year period.
The scale of the proposed cut has been projected to
rise each year to reach a nearly £50m annual reduction by the end of the new
grant agreement period in 2036.
It is so large that it is feared that it will
inevitably mean deep cuts to canal maintenance and repair, and eventually lead
to canal closures.
Llyr Gruffydd MS said: “This irresponsible decision
by the UK Government presents a serious threat to the canal network in Wales.
“It should be remembered that these are historic
waterways and they include a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
“The Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, the Chirk Aqueduct, as
well as 11 miles of the Llangollen canal are an important part of our
industrial heritage in Wales, and this funding cut by the UK Government clearly
puts them at risk.
“It represents almost a halving of real-terms
public funding for canals in the ten years from 2027 compared with recent
years. It will inevitably lead to a decline in the condition of the canal
network and the alarming prospect of canal closures.
“Inexplicably, the UK Government has made this
decision despite its own review confirming that funding for the Canal &
River Trust is ‘clear value for money’.
“It has shown that the network of canals delivers
substantial benefits to the economy, to people and communities, and to nature
and biodiversity.
“The announcement risks turning back the clock on
one of Wales’ greatest heritage regeneration stories and will lead to the loss
of both vital nature habitat and treasured public spaces with a loss of
substantial benefits for millions of people.
“To make matters worse, the decision to reduce
long-term funding comes at a time when, the cost of maintaining the historic
canals, locks, bridges, aqueducts, embankments, reservoirs and other critical
assets is increasing.
“This is in part due to the rising impact of
climate change with more periods of drought and extreme storm events.
“The canals bring the benefits of green space and nature
corridors into urban areas, reaching millions of people, creating wildlife
corridors, contributing to flood defences and drainage, and transferring water
to support public water supply.
“Research has shown that the canals support local
jobs and boost the economy. They also deliver social welfare value to people
and communities including significant physical and mental health benefits.
“Tory ministers need to
seriously think again about this damaging decision
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