Canal path reopened in Castlefields, Shrewsbury

On Saturday 20 June 2015 Councillor Miles Kenny, Mayor of Shrewsbury, officially opened the restored path along the stretch of the old canal, which runs from opposite the Ditherington Flax Mill to New Park Road in Castlefields, Shrewsbury. 　

A group of volunteers supported by Shropshire Council and Shrewsbury Town Council have been working hard to make the canal route more accessible and attractive to pedestrians and cyclists.

Simon Jones, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member responsible for environmental maintenance, said:-

“Shropshire Council resurfaced the path and altered the gradient at the south end, so the route is now much more accessible to cyclists and people with buggies. Shrewsbury Town Council, who maintain the north end, have been very co-operative, and volunteers from the Shrewsbury and Newport Canals Trust, and St Michael’s Gate residents have cleared undergrowth and rubbish, and planted bulbs and shrubs.”

Bernie Jones, Honorary Secretary of Shrewsbury and Newport Canals Trust, said:

“The canal path in Shrewsbury really is a hidden gem. We’ve been working on a range of measures to make it into a haven for wildlife and a recreational facility that provides a wonderful route through some of Shrewsbury’s most densely populated areas into the town centre. Our work has included removing weeds and rubbish, resurfacing paths, softening the gradient at the south end of the canal, providing new bins, and new planting where required.”

Councillor Andrew Bannerman, Chairman of the Shrewsbury and Newport Canals Trust, added:

“The canal path has great potential to link our communities together and provide a wonderful route through to the town centre. The work that’s been undertaken will help people navigate through an area that’s been transformed from what was once a neglected eyesore in parts, into a peaceful and pleasant environment. Special thanks must go to the Canal Trust volunteers and the St Michael’s Gate residents.”

Alan Mosley, local Shropshire Councillor for Castlefields and Ditherington, and Leader of Shrewsbury Town Council, added:

“This project has been a great example of the benefits of joint working to improve things for residents and visitors. We now have a greatly improved and much more attractive route to and from town, which is proving to be highly popular. Congratulations to all partners involved.”

Volunteer Jennifer Syrett explained:

“To help us over the last few years we have welcomed a group of local children, members of the Canal Trust, and some residents of St Michael’s Gate, to help with planting of shrubs and hedging, and litter removal, and we continue to develop our section of the canal path with bird and insect life in mind. We are always in need of volunteers.”

Volunteer Adrian Monahan added:

“We hope that residents and visitors will enjoy and look after the canal, and in particular the areas we have worked so hard to improve. We need more people to help out so please get in touch if you can spare some time.”

For more information, please contact Tom Brettell, senior community enablement officer, on 01743 252482 or 07990 085318.