Pledge sought over canal country park development

Oct 9 2008 by Andrew Bowan, Whitchurch Herald

AN assurance that there will be support at county council level for the development of the planned country park at Whitchurch in association with the Whitchurch arm of the Llangollen canal is being sought by a local councillor.

County councillor Tom Biggins has tabled a question on the issue at Friday’s meeting of the county authority.

He says there is a huge potential for attracting visitors to Whitchurch if a canal arm is restored into the centre of the town.

Cllr Biggins said the first stage of the development was completed by Whitchurch Waterway Trust in 1993 “thanks to a great deal of hard work and effort including funding from the Derelict Land Grant.”

He says the next stage will be the development of the country park, followed by connecting the Whitchurch arm to the series of lakes.

“This will most likely be facilitated by two locks,” says Mr. Biggins.

He adds: “There is an enormous amount of public goodwill towards this project.

“Having given much practical support in the past, I’d like confirmation that the county council and indeed the (unitary) Shropshire Council in the future will continue to do everything possible to bring this worthwhile project to its fruition.”

The portfolio holders involved, Cllrs John Everall and John Hurst-Knight, have tabled a joint response which says: “Canal restoration continues to be supported by Shropshire County Council within its resource framework.

“It is anticipated that the new Shropshire Council will continue to support such initiatives, but the levels of support will be balanced against other service pressures.”

The portfolio holders add: “The historical canal network of Shropshire constitutes an important and valuable element in the county’s environment.

“The county is home to some of the earliest canals in Britain and the quality and diversity of the surviving remains – both disused and in use – are impressive.

“Environmentally, canals can be a haven for a very wide range of plants and animals.

“Economic benefits do result from canal-based activity but the costs of canal restoration and enhancement are significant.”