A CANAL restoration group has welcomed a Shrewsbury-based bridge-building company as it begins the £1m project to open the next stage of the Montgomery network.

Beaver Bridges join the Montgomery Canal restoration team for the cutting of the first sod, on Monday, April 24.

Michael Limbrey, chairman of the Restore the Montgomery Canal group, which has promoted the project, said: “We are delighted that Beaver Bridges will be starting to rebuild Schoolhouse Bridge almost six years to the day after we launched our appeal for the project. 

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“There have been complications on the way – a world-wide pandemic was one – so the start is later than we had hoped.

He continued: “The revived Montgomery Canal will safeguard the canal’s valuable built and natural heritage, provide an amenity for recreation and well-being for residents and visitors and bring economic opportunities as the canal opens up for visitors. 

“We look forward to the day when we can realise the ambitions of local authorities, communities, and businesses as boats from across the country visit the borders.

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"As a local business, they are very excited to be conducting these prestigious works with the Montgomery Waterway Restoration Trust and to continue the excellent work they have completed to date and contribute to the future legacy of the canal."

The bridge, south of Oswestry, was blocked in the years after the canal was abandoned and is the main obstruction on the derelict section to the Welsh border at Llanymynech.