Mon & Brec closed for 2008 by breach at Gilwern.

The serious breach at Gilwern on the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal on October 16th means that a considerable stretch of the canal will probably be closed throughout the 2008 cruising season. Given British Waterways budget cuts funding 'a major programme of renovation' may prove difficult.

MONMOUTHSHIRE & BRECON CANAL CLOSURE - British Waterways PRESS RELEASE 12th November 2007

Following the major breach on the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal at Gilwern on 16th October, British Waterways is continuing a series of meetings with boating operators, private boaters and other local stakeholders to discuss options for reopening the waterway and the impact of its closure.

The seriousness of the breach and the location where it occurred has led British Waterways to carry out a detailed geotechnical survey of a 16-mile stretch of the canal, from Llanover to Talybont (bridges 84 to 141). Initial assessments indicate that significant works may be required to secure the canal infrastructure and that there is therefore every likelihood that the affected stretch of canal will not be available for cruising next year.

Julie Sharman, general manager for Wales & Border Counties, explains; “Our top priority is to secure the future and safety of this canal, which is arguably one of the most beautiful and popular cruising waterways in Britain. We are increasingly of the view that the best option for the canal is to carry out a major programme of renovation across the central 16 mile length. Our investigation over the next six weeks will give us a much clearer picture as to how we might best achieve this.

“Although a closure next year may be the best way to secure the long term future of the canal, we know it will have a huge impact on boating businesses, individual boaters and the local community. That is why we have already started meetings with those involved with a view to minimising that impact.”

The canal and associated waterside businesses from Talybont to Cwmbran and Llanover to Brecon remain unaffected by the works. The towpath remains open to the public.

British Waterways has announced that it is committed to a major programme of repairs to reopen the Brecon and Abergavenny Canal in time for Easter 2009, but has warned that it has discovered a need for substantial major engineering works that could last up to four years and cost about £15 million, much of this to be spent in 2008/09. The work over the next year will enable British Waterways to complete essential repair work to the Gilwern breach and priority areas identified along the 16 miles of affected canal by March 2009. However substantial further investment will be required for a winter engineering programme in each year from 2009 to 2011. British Waterways is therefore looking to widen the base of financial support for the Canal to secure the investment required, but is also cutting back on some other areas of expenditure, including withdrawal from the Cotswold Canals Partnership to provide cash flow for the works now needed.

British Waterways says that the waterways it manages in Wales bring £34 million to the Welsh economy for just £3 million annual investment in a normal year. The Brecon & Abergavenny and adjoining Monmouthshire Canal are vital to a range of businesses alongside the waterway, and it is widely recognised that it is important to reopen the canal as quickly as possible if these businesses are to survive. IWA has welcomed BW’s prompt commitment to getting the canal reopen quickly, and its work to continue encouraging visitors to the waterway in the meantime.