[singlepic id=337 w=320 h=240 float=center]

Neath Port Talbot Council have asked for the public’s view on the Alternative Site proposed by the Canal Society for the length of the dry section of canal from Godre’r Graig to the Twrch Aqueduct in Ystalyfera.

The phrase ‘Alterantive Site’ chosen by NPT is misleading and confusing in the context of the canal. We have merely asked for the status quo (which is protection of the route to safeguard it for future restoration) to be retained. NPT in all the drafts of the Local Development Plan have proposed its removal and permission to develop the route.

It is therefore necessary to support the alternative plan (continued protection). The details and a map of the route can be found on page 120 of the Register of Alternative Sites (January 2014) on the NPT website.

http://www.npt.gov.uk/default.aspx?page=7984

The route contains the CADW Scheduled Ancient Monuments of the beam engine of the Crimea Colliery, Thicks Lock (photo above), and the Twrch Aqueduct. There are also the remains of several locks whose stones were used to provide the hard core for the A4067 in the early seventies. See the photo below.

[singlepic id=662 w=320 h=240 float=center]

The Society will be producing a template letter which can be personalised and sent to Nicola Pearce, Head of Planning at NPT Council. The closing date for consultation is March the 10th.