Officers from the Canal & River Trust in Wales met several Torfaen politicians to discuss the threat of the water supply to the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal.
Since towards the end of 2024, the Canal and River Trust has been required to limit water abstractions from the River Usk in accordance with the new licence conditions set by Natural Resources Wales. This has caused fears that the canal may run dry, impacting on the historic structure, the natural environment, and the local economy.
Nick Thomas-Symonds, Torfaen MP and Lynne Neagle, Torfaen MS, said: “We recognise the concerns raised by the Canal and River Trust and by people across Torfaen. The Mon & Brec is an incredibly important part of Torfaen, and we pay tribute to the local Bridge 46 to Five Locks Group for both their campaigning on this issue, and for the tireless work they do to maintain the canal.
“We are committed to working closely with key stakeholders to find a long-term solution to the Mon & Brec’s water supply, and following our meeting with the Canal and River Trust, we will be engaging with the relevant agencies.”
“Mark Evans, from the Canal & River Trust in Wales, comments: “Our charity has managed to secure an emergency short-term supply of water for the canal from Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water. This staves off the prospect of the canal running dry in the weeks ahead. However, we know it is a sticking plaster solution that takes funds away from vital canal maintenance and repairs.
“The pressure remains to urgently find a viable long-term solution for the canal and we continue to call on the Welsh government to help secure a more sustainable future for this beautiful waterway, which brings so much to the area. We thank everyone for their support and welcome the prospect of an informed debate in the Senedd, following the highly successful petition that has quickly passed the threshold of signatories needed, showing the strength of public support.”
A spokesman for Welsh Water told the Local Democracy Service: “We are pleased to have come to an agreement to support the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal that covers the cost of providing the water and doesn’t incur additional costs for our customers or put at risk the supply of drinking water over the summer.
“We will continue to work closely with the Canal and Rivers Trust, Natural Resources Wales and the Welsh Government on a longer-term solution that can support the canal beyond the coming year.”