Neath Port Talbot Council has secured £113,850 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund’s Heritage Places initiative for the development phase of the Canal Connections/ Cysylltiadau Camlesi project.
While the council is not the owner of the canals, it is looking to foster the working partnerships that need to be created to facilitate the regeneration of these key heritage and environmental assets for the benefit of communities, wildlife ecosystems and the economy.
The council, working with consultants AtkinsRéalis, is developing a comprehensive options appraisal feasibility study examining future uses for the Neath and Tennant Canals, recognising their significance and heritage and what they can offer to the people and communities lining their routes.
The study will be part of the long-term Canal Connections/ Cysylltiadau Camlesi project working towards regenerating the canal system into an accessible community asset for active recreation and travel and establishing it as a heritage visitor destination which connects local communities.
The canals enable residents to reconnect with nature and the communities along its length, linking the town centre to valley areas. There is a recognition of the importance of these spaces for people’s health and wellbeing as these waterways can be improved to provide clean, green spaces for local leisure activity where rich biodiversity thrives.
The council said ideas can help it add definition to the main options that AtkinsRéalis is exploring and may bring completely new ideas to restore and regenerate the Neath and Tennant canals for the benefit of people, places and the environment.
To capture these ideas a canals consultation will be open until 8th January 2025, enabling everyone to have their say moving forward.
People will be able to share their views and see option plans in a community workshop on 4th December 2024 at 2pm to 6.30pm at Aberdulais Golf Range.
Neath Port Talbot Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Economic Growth, Cllr Jeremy Hurley, said:
“We are grateful for the funding coming from the National Lottery Heritage Fund for this project which is very important for our communities, wildlife and the local economy and canals also have a positive effect on our health and wellbeing.
“I would urge as many people as possible to get involved in having their say during the consultation period.”
