RESTORATION volunteers working on the Shropshire Union Canal resumed their efforts in spring, continuing the restoration of the 330-metre dry section of the Montgomery Canal at Crickheath.

When finished, this will link the National Network of Canals, to the Winding Hole at Crickheath, which is in water.

And now with restrictions continuing to loosen in the UK, the parties are looking forward to carrying out more work in May and in new areas.

A spokesman said: "The April work parties were predominantly large machine-based activities, concerned with building up the third and final 25 metre section of towpath that has suffered from subsidence.

"This will be finished during the first May session.

"However, a really significant development took place on the final Sunday of April, when the upper part of a 25-metre section in the middle of the dry section of channel embankment, was shaped to the correct angle using a triangular profile and spirit level, to set an exact degree for final scraping by a digger.

READ MORE:

"This practice will become a constant feature from now on so that the waterproofing, lining, process, can start in June, in readiness for eventual re-watering.

"To compensate for time lost because of Covid restrictions, there are now two work parties per month until Christmas.

"Further on down the canal towards Llanymynech, advanced plans are in place to restore School House Bridge, in Long Lane, near Crickheath in 2021, which is a project being run by the Restore The Montgomery Group."