Appeal to raise money for restoration work on Montgomery Canal reaches close to £100,000

An appeal aimed at raising funds for the restoration of the Montgomery Canal has amassed an impressive sum of over £95,000 within a short span of three months.

The appeal received a significant boost with a generous donation from an undisclosed family company.

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In addition to the contribution from the anonymous company, online donations, cheques, and cash bucket collections have also contributed to the cause.

The overall goal of the Restore the Montgomery Canal appeal is to raise £250,000.

Chairman of the appeal, Michael Limbrey, expressed his gratitude and stated:

"In Shropshire, there are only two miles of dry canal remaining, and the volunteers from the Shropshire Union Canal Society have already begun restoring the next half mile."

"The previous section was restored with the support of the National Lottery Heritage Fund."

"The appeal, launched in June, aims to provide the skilled work parties with essential materials and equipment. Without public donations, the volunteers may be forced to halt their efforts."

Limbrey further added:

"We are particularly thrilled that a private company has generously donated £25,000 to the appeal, hoping to inspire other businesses to follow suit."

A spokesperson for the anonymous company stated:

"We have been truly impressed by the remarkable work of the volunteers involved in the restoration so far. We wholeheartedly welcome the numerous benefits that will come with the completion of the restoration project, including economic regeneration and improvements to the community's wellbeing, physical health, towpath usage, and preservation of our historic and natural heritage.

This contribution has been made from our Corporate Social Responsibility budget, and we hope it inspires other companies to contribute as well."

 Limbrey emphasized "In Powys, the UK Government's Levelling-Up Fund is supporting an incredible series of projects that will bring us closer to the day when the canal is fully open from Welshpool to the Shropshire border at Llanymynech.

This will include the construction of new bridges, revitalization of the canal channel, and the creation of new nature reserves to protect valuable wildlife.

However, the two-mile-long derelict section in Shropshire, known as the 'Shropshire Gap,' remains to be restored."

"The reopening of the canal, spanning the borderlands of Shropshire and Mid Wales, will serve as a wonderful recreational and conservation amenity that will enhance the attractiveness of the area for visitors, residents, and businesses," Limbrey added.

The organizers of the appeal highlighted that individual donations have varied from £5 to £1,000, with many contributors opting to add Gift Aid, which enhances the value of their contributions by 25%.

Donations can be made online at https://localgiving.org/appeal/MontgomeryCanal or by sending a contribution to Restore the Montgomery Canal!, Tixall Lodge, Stafford ST18 0XS.