THE latest stage in a programme of towpath repairs along the Llangollen Canal has made access easier for visitors in the World Heritage Site.

It has also improved access to the Horseshoe Falls, according to British Waterways which is in charge of the project.

The improvements are part of Pontcysyllte Aqueduct & Canal Project, a partnership involving British Waterways, Northern Marches Cymru, Wrexham Council and Cadwyn Clwyd.

The project stems from a strong desire for community involvement when the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and the Llangollen Canal were given World Heritage Status in 2009.

The Shropshire Union Canal Society has become involved by installing benches in the area, enabling visitors to rest and absorb the views.

The government last week gave the go-ahead for British Waterways to become a new ‘National Trust’ for the waterways.

The plan builds on British Waterways’ own proposals to safeguard the future of historic waterways and encourage greater community involvement through initiatives such as the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct & Canal Project.

The two-year project is focusing on the World Heritage Site communities of Chirk Bank, Chirk, Pentre, Froncysyllte, Trevor, Garth, Llangollen and Llantysilio.

It has received funding through the Rural Development Plan for Wales 2007-2013 which is supported by the Welsh Assembly Government and the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development.

“Community participation has been at the heart of this project from the outset, so it is fitting we hand over a vibrant and dynamic shared vision when the project officially ends next year,” said community development officer Piers Warburton who
is leading the project.