POTENTIAL funding cuts of more than £300 million pose a “serious threat” to Chirk Aqueduct, according to a leading North Wales politician.

Llyr Gruffydd, who represents North Wales in the Senedd in Cardiff, has branded the sharp reduction in funding for the Canal and River Trust as ‘alarming’ and has warned that it will lead to an ‘inevitable’ decline in the condition of the canal network in the region and could even result in closures.

The UK Government recently announced the long-term funding settlement for the trust which includes Glandŵr Cymru - the Canal & River Trust in Wales - for the period from 2027 to 2037.

Border Counties Advertizer:

The network in Wales, includes the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and the Chirk Aqueduct, which are part of a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Mr Gruffydd, of Plaid Cymru, said the ‘irresponsible’ decision by the UK Government puts this UNESCO World Heritage site “at risk” and has called on Tory ministers to think again.

OTHER NEWS:

He said: “This irresponsible decision by the UK Government presents a serious threat to the canal network in Wales.

“It should be remembered that these are historic waterways and they include a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

“The Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, the Chirk Aqueduct, as well as 11 miles of the Llangollen canal are an important part of our industrial heritage in Wales, and this funding cut by the UK Government clearly puts them at risk.

“It represents almost a halving of real-terms public funding for canals in the ten years from 2027 compared with recent years.

“It will inevitably lead to a decline in the condition of the canal network and the alarming prospect of canal closures.

“Inexplicably, the UK Government has made this decision despite its own review confirming that funding for the Canal & River Trust is ‘clear value for money’.

“It has shown that the network of canals delivers substantial benefits to the economy, to people and communities, and to nature and biodiversity.”

According to the MS, the amount awarded represents a steep reduction in its funding of more than £300 million in real terms over the 10-year period.

Make sure you don't miss out on any of our news, sports and features. You'll see fewer adverts and enjoy great high street offers too. Just click here for your Oswestry Advertizer digital subscription.

The scale of the proposed cut has been projected to rise each year to reach a nearly £50m annual reduction by the end of the new grant agreement period in 2036, and could eventually lead to canal closures.

“The announcement risks turning back the clock on one of Wales’ greatest heritage regeneration stories and will lead to the loss of both vital nature habitat and treasured public spaces with a loss of substantial benefits for millions of people,” he added.

“To make matters worse, the decision to reduce long-term funding comes at a time when, the cost of maintaining the historic canals, locks, bridges, aqueducts, embankments, reservoirs and other critical assets is increasing.

“The canals bring the benefits of green space and nature corridors into urban areas, reaching millions of people, creating wildlife corridors, contributing to flood defences and drainage, and transferring water to support public water supply.

“Tory ministers need to seriously think again about this damaging decision.”