Neath Port Talbot Council issued a Neath and Tennant Canals options appraisal consultation in November 2024 to look at possible ways to restore and regenerate the Neath and Tennant canals for the benefit of people, places and the environment.
The Council held a community workshop in early December 2024 to share options and gather views from the public. Two IWA South Wales Branch representatives, as well as several IWA members, and representatives from local canal groups attended a packed workshop at Aberdulais.
IWA has responded to the consultation options put forward by the Council. Whilst encouraged that the Council sees the benefits that the canals’ restoration can bring, IWA feels that the lack of an option to return the canals to full navigability ignored the significant benefits that a wider ranging vision would bring. IWA feels that the options presented lacked the ambition and strategic vision demonstrated by other canal restorations elsewhere in the UK that have revitalised town and city centres.
The Branch referred Neath Port Talbot Council to IWA’s comprehensive report Waterways for Today which explains how navigable waterways can act as a catalyst for investment and regeneration. The report also provides evidence showing why waterway focused projects are perfect for including in regeneration projects and third party funding bids.
Restoration of both the Neath and the Tennant canals to full use is complicated by ownership issues. Neath Port Talbot Council terminated a Neath Canal Public Access Rights Agreement in December 2023 which previously gave the public access to parts of the Neath Canal towpath.
IWA is very concerned that the options presented made no mention at all of key canal historic assets that need protecting in the short term. The Aberdulais Aqueduct (a Scheduled Ancient Monument) and associated weir are vital parts of both canals, and their continuing neglect is having, and will have, a significant impact on the viability of the canals’ restoration and future use. The IWA has an ongoing campaign to raise the issue of the potential threats to this important canal asset. Repair of the aqueduct and weir needs to be part of a wider plan to protect local houses and other properties at Aberdulais from potential flooding.
IWA believes that:
- The Aberdulais Aqueduct, weir and associated flood works need to be protected and work completed as soon as possible.
- Canal ownership relationships need to be resolved so that works can be completed along both the canals.
- A new partnership or dedicated organisation needs to be set up.
- A clear Vision and Strategic Plan needs to be created supporting the Vision of Full Navigability of the Canals.
To view IWA’s response to the consultation, click here.
