THE Whitchurch Waterway Trust has renewed appeals for new members to join the organisation.

The Trust owns and maintains the Whitchurch branch of the Llangollen Canal, but currently there are just five trustees, out of a possible 12.

Helen Brockman, Trust secretary, says new members are needed to support the work of the Trust, with the eventual aim of extending the canal further along its original route.

She said: "The Whitchurch Waterway Trust urgently needs some new Trustees if it is to continue operating.

"We would like to extend the canal to bring it nearer to the town it used to go all the way to.

"Without the Trust, the future of the Whitchurch Arm would be uncertain, possibly even leading to it eventually being filled in again.

"This would be a great loss to the town of Whitchurch, as the Arm provides a place for visiting boats to moor and brings tourists who spend their money in town."

Helen says the Trust is looking for a variety of potential new trustees.

She added: "Trustees are just ordinary people who have the best interests of the charity at heart, and it is healthy to have a good mix of people with different outlooks, for example some who have boating or other canal experience, and some who don't.

"We'd like to have some who have a business in Whitchurch, some younger people, some more women, some who have recently moved to Whitchurch and some long-standing residents, but anyone of any age or background can do it.

"You may feel you have some skills or services you could use to help the Trust, even if you don't feel you have any particular skill to offer, you can still find a way to contribute, or maybe gain some skills and learn more about canals.

"You would only need to come to most meetings – we have around 10 a year, which are usually held in a pub in Whitchurch, and sometimes spend the odd few hours on the Trust's work.

"You would be helping to keep a green corridor, Whitchurch's access to the canal system, the tourist boost to the town's economy, and an interesting walk for residents."

If you would like to know more, contact Helen on secretary@whitchurchwaterway.uk or 07597 005312 or visit www.whitchurchwaterway.uk