Recent decisions on water abstraction licences pose a serious threat to the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal (Mon & Brec) and could drastically reduce water levels, jeopardising the canal’s long-term sustainability and the communities, businesses, and wildlife that depend on it.
The Canal & River Trust (CRT) recently lost an appeal regarding water abstraction from the River Usk and Trosnant Spring, limiting the amount of water that can be used to feed the canal. Without adequate water supply, CRT has warned that sections of the Mon & Brec could become unnavigable or even face closure, though this would be the worst-case scenario. We believe even the prospect of this is unacceptable. Many businesses do well in this area, and they can do without even the hint of uncertainly especially as we come into warmer months and the holiday season.
For over 225 years, this canal has supported local economies, provided habitats for wildlife, and been a recreational space for all canal users. It’s also a significant part of Wales’ tourism industry: hire boat companies, trip boats, and canalside businesses generating jobs and revenue for the region currently operate successfully and are in need of reassurance. Up until now, the Welsh Government has supported canal restoration, most notably with the Montgomery Canal. We now need that same commitment for the Mon & Brec.
IWA is actively working to ensure the canal’s future. We are urging Welsh Government to work with Natural Resources Wales (NRW) to reconsider the impact of these water restrictions, not only on the Usk’s ecology but on the canal itself with its diverse ecosystem.
In South Wales, canal restoration efforts in Cwmbran have made significant progress, with restored bridges, new moorings, and lock gate replacements. Decades of investment, much of it funded through government grants and the National Heritage Lottery Fund, must not be wasted. Losing the northern section of the Mon & Brec would be very bad for future restoration and regeneration projects.
We have written to Senedd members, the Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs in the Welsh Government, and relevant MPs to put pressure on getting the right outcome for the Mon and Brec.
Paul Thomas, IWA South West and South Wales Region Secretary, said:
“This is a serious threat to the Mon & Brec Canal, we can’t just watch it happen. Cutting water supply risks making parts of the canal unnavigable, which would be bad news for local businesses, tourism, and wildlife. For over 225 years, this waterway has been at the heart of the community, and we need the same commitment to its future that we’ve seen for other Welsh canals. This is why we are urging the Welsh Government to work with Natural Resources Wales to reconsider these restrictions, and we are writing to all relevant politicians. People love their local canal, but waterways as we know and value them would not exist if not for the historic campaigning of many before us. That work is still needed today.”
