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Neath Canal
The upper section of the Neath Canal, derelict until 1988, has
been restored to full navigation by Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council
with the support of the N&T Society.
The lower part of the Neath Canal (Briton Ferry to Abergarwed) is
still
maintained as a supply of water to local industry, by Neath Canal Navigation,
the original company set up by Act of Parliament in 1790.
In November 2001, I took a walk along the lower part of the
Neath Canal with Ian Milne, Secretary of the N&T Canals Society (contact details
below). Ian first introduced me to our local canals in 1974.
Here are some of the photos that we took along the way.
JAD
(Click the pics to enlarge)
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Ian outside the Old Customs Houses at Briton Ferry, where our
walk began.
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The roving bridge at Giant's Grave, newly restored by NCN.
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A more recent style of bridge - now unique in this area.
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The Neath Canal Navigation maintenance boat at work near the
Saltings.
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How to dredge without wrecking the wildlife interest.
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The new Metal Box Bridge under construction. Well done to all concerned for keeping the navigation open.
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Tynyrheol Lock, Tonna. The structure of the lock has been
restored, but new gates are needed. Funding is actively being sought at present. The N&T Society will then be able to run
it's trip-boat from Neath town centre to Aberdulais Basin. What an asset for
local tourism.
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Howard's Bridge on Neath Canal above Aberdulais Basin - a lovely place to stroll
after a visit to the Railway Tavern at Aberdulais.
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Ynysbwllog Aqueduct - one of the obstacles to restoring the
full length of the Neath Canal. Since this photo was taken (late last year) a
footbridge has been put in place across the river to reopen the towpath.
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Water treatment plant at Abergarwed. Heavily polluted
water draining from a disused coal mine has found its way into the Neath Canal.
A treatment plant (plus reed beds) has been installed, but a long stretch of the
waterway is still polluted, with devastating results for the wildlife. This must
be cleaned up. It's a great shame that someone else's mess is causing such
problems.
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Navigable culvert under the A465 road. Good and bad news.
The pollution is still evident, but the road crossed the canal with
adequate room for
boats and a towpath.
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And so ended an interesting walk. Thanks Ian. A great deal
has been achieved since I last walked the full length. Things look good for the
future, with the canal society, canal owners and local council working so well
together.
In a future feature we'll take a look at the excellent work
done by the N&T Society and Neath Port Talbot Council to restore the upper part
of the Neath Canal .
JAD
For more details of the Neath & Tennant Canals:
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Ian Milne, Hon. Secretary,
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Neath & Tennant Canals Preservation Society Ltd,
16 Gower Road, Sketty, Swansea SA2 9BY, Wales.
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Nov 2007
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WATERLINKS
