Nearly 100 years on - water levelled up in lovingly restored section of historic Montgomery canal

The developments come at Crickheath Tramway Wharf on the Montgomery Canal - after a break of over 90 years.

The Shropshire Union Canal Society has worked tirelessly with the restoration of the canal and recently lifted the remaining stop planks that have held back the water while work continued.

It means the last few inches have now flowed in to the section - bringing it to a level not seen since around 1934.

Tom Fulda, restoration project manager said: “The peace and serenity of the now full Crickheath wharf belies the feverish hours of work that so many volunteers put into arriving at this point.

"Only a couple of years ago you could hardly see where the canal was meant to be, and whether it’s for those with muddy boots or those in the background making it possible, I think a round of applause is called for - oh, and on a practical note, it was brought in under budget and with time to spare on the schedule."

In a statement the society reflected on the historic developments, saying: "It seems that 1934 was a good year for some and not for others, the Porth-y-waen Silver Band was formed at the quarry at the head of the tramway – was this possibly because the quarrymen had more time on their hands with the closure as the Tramway to the canal at Crickheath? I think not! The band still thrives!

"A&A Peate, millers at Maesbury Hall Mill, found that, due to the lack of maintenance on the canal, road transport was the only future and so sold off its canal fleet and thus regular traffic on the canal ground to a halt and what was left, ground along the bottom of the ever-deteriorating cut.

"In 1936 there was a breach which was not repaired so unsurprisingly, that was it. 

"The canal became dilapidated and was formally abandoned in 1944.

"However, as luck would have it, the canal was still part of the national system when the network was nationalised in 1948 and classed as a remaindered waterway.

"It was the nationalisation that saved the canals although British Waterways took a dim view of anyone wishing to extend the system, but with the advent of Canal & River Trust it gave enthusiasts, like us, the opportunity to restore many miles of these precious waterways."

Tom added: “The plan for 2025 is to drive forward towards the recently rebuilt Schoolhouse Bridge and close the Shropshire Gap a little more, encourage local businesses to share in the goodwill that restoration creates and launch a new and exciting relationship with Oswestry Town Museum that will bring the history of this area to life.

"It’s going to be a busy old year, and you could be part of it – either as a volunteer on the ground or helping from afar with back-office skills. It’d be great to have you on board."  

For information visit shropshireunion.org.uk