The canal could bring social and economic benefits through tourism

A feasibility study has started to explore the possibility of rebuilding the final two-mile stretch of the canal from Aberbechan to its former terminus at Newtown.

The work, if given the go-ahead, would be part of a larger scheme to connect mid Wales with the national canal network.

A two-and-a-half mile stretch of the 35-mile long canal between Queen's Head and Maesbury was opened in April.

We want to gauge the public's enthusiasm for this idea, which could provide economic benefits to the town by extending the canal the extra two miles Stephen Langtree, consultant

This means that only the six-mile stretch between Maesbury and Arddleen needs to be completed to link up the canal with mid-Wales.

The project allowing boats to navigate through Welshpool towards Newtown, would cost �35m.

Tourism

Powys County Council has now backed a new study to see if it would be worthwhile extending the canal into Newtown.

"The possibility of rebuilding the canal into Newtown has been raised by Powys Council which fears that the town could lose out on the benefits that restoring the whole canal would bring to mid Wales," said Stephen Langtree of consultants, Black and Veatch.

The study will be conducted from now until the end of February and includes a chance for the public to air their feelings at a meeting on Tuesday night.

The canal is currently blocked by a main road at Arddleen

Councillors are also keen to see whether the canal would bring economic and social benefits through tourism, canal-related industries and new recreational opportunities.

"This study will provide us with a comprehensive view of the possibilities of restoring the canal into Newtown," said Cllr Richard Noyce.

"It will also include an overview of the associated financial benefits to the town, if this can be achieved."

If funding bids are successful, British Waterways, which governs the UK canal network, believes the 16-mile-stretch of canal in mid Wales could be joined to the UK network within five years.

According to British Waterways, the high cost of the project is partly because bridges taking traffic over the canal have been knocked down

The Montgomery Canal scheme is one of a number of canal restoration projects outlined in 'Waterways for Wales' a document that aims to revitalise canals and their surrounding communities.

The Montgomery Canal was built in 1821 and was used to carry limestone, wood and leather goods before being abandoned in 1944.

Volunteers have been restoring the waterway for the last 33 years and after �20m worth of work, nearly half the canal has been restored for barges to use.

Members of the public will be able to meet with consultants at Northside Hall, Canal Road, Newtown between 1830 and 2100 GMT on Tuesday.