Members of the public will have the chance to give their views on a Powys canal before a major restoration project begins.

As part of the Montgomery Canal Restoration Project, three surveys are being being carried out by Glandŵr Cymru and Powys County Council.

The survey results will help the Trust and Council understand what people currently think of Montgomery Canal and Y Lanfa, how often they visit and for what purpose.

The two organisations were successful in securing almost £14 million from the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund for the project.

Cllr David Selby, Powys County Council’s Cabinet Member for a More Prosperous Powys, said: “The Montgomery Canal Restoration Project will make a substantial contribution towards the wider, phased restoration of the Montgomery Canal, that when fully completed, will provide long-term economic, cultural, wellbeing and recreational benefits for local communities.

“However, it is important that we seek the views of the local community and visitors to Montgomery Canal and Y Lanfa to understand their current thoughts. I would urge visitors to the Montgomery Canal and local residents to use this opportunity to make their opinions known by completing this survey.”

The Montgomery Canal Restoration Project will focus on bank works in the 4 mile stretch between Llanymynech and Arddleen to add a walk and cycle lane, rebuilding of Walls Bridge and Williams Bridge, repairing and improving the Aberbechan Aqueduct, the Y Lanfa building and two canal side cottages at Welshpool Wharf.

Main construction works are scheduled to begin on January 2023 and are scheduled to end in March.

Jason Leach, Head of External Programme Delivery at Glandŵr Cymru said: “The next phase of the restoration of the Montgomery Canal will bring many benefits to the community but it’s important we understand how local people use the canal and why they come to visit.

“We know that being by water is good for our mental and physical health so it’s wonderful that this next step of this restoration project is going ahead. Our canals have been reinvented as a place for people to spend their leisure time, get fit, enjoy the outdoors, and feel healthier so come for a visit.”

Community Survey for thbose living by the canal: www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/CanalResidentsEng/

Visitor survey of the Canal: www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/CanalVisitorsEng/

User survey of the Y Lanfa building: www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/YLanfaEng/