Torfaen Council wants to get people’s views on the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal.

Four and a half miles of the route, between Sebastopol and Newport, is owned and managed by Torfaen Council.  Last year, the council appointed a canal coordinator last year to help develop its potential.

As part of the plans, the council would like to know what people use the canal for, what you like about it and what else you would like to see there. If you do not use the canal, you can still suggest ideas that would attract you.

Alice Rees, canal coordinator, said: “We know a lot of people use the canal regularly for a host of different reasons. We’d like to find out what else would encourage you to use it more, or what would attract those who have never visited.

“You can take part in the online consultation or you’re welcome to come to one of our drop-in sessions.”

Councillor Joanne Gauden, executive member for economy, skills and regeneration, said: “The canal offers a host of recreational opportunities for the boating community, residents and visitors including cycling, walking, horse riding and angling along the tow path. There are also volunteering experiences as well as a programme of organised events and activities on offer.

“We want to encourage more people to use the canal by offering more activities which complement its conservation status and ecological value.

“The feedback from this survey will help inform the development of draft ‘Canal Strategy and Action Plan’ which will be consulted on later in the year.”

Give your views

The consultation closes on Tuesday 18 October. Click here to take part.

Paper copies are also available from the Civic Centre and locations along the canal (contact Alice for more details).

Meet the team at drop-in sessions

Tuesday 27 September

10:30am – 2:30pm

Ashley House Youth Centre/Gym, Mount Pleasant Road, Pontnewydd, Cwmbran, NP44 1AN

Free parking available

Wednesday 28 September

2:30pm – 5:30pm

The Community Centre at Cwmbran Community Council, Ventnor Road, Cwmbran. NP44 3JY. The centre is located behind the main Council House. Free parking available.

Comments in Welsh language

If you would like to leave your views and comments in Welsh at any of the drop-in sessions, please contact [email protected] three days before the session you are attending.