Bridge 46 to Five Locks Canal Group, Torfaen

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The Bridge 46 to Five Locks Canal Group was formed in September 2020 after housing developers replaced Bridge 46 of the Monmouthshire Canal at Sebastopol, Torfaen, with a span which prevented boats from passing underneath. Its campaigning led to construction of a new bridge in 2021, restoring navigation.

This group’s work along the canal has seen waste bins and signage installed, fences and towpaths repaired and canal-side facilities tested and improved. It has restored a lost tradition in the reinstatement of the Boater’s Book, obtained clarification on anglers rights, improved care for wildlife and shared extensive knowledge of the canal. It organises work parties where members of the community contribute to the canal’s upkeep and improvement.

Many parties are interested in seeing the canal below Five Locks restored to full navigation for boats as far as Pentre Lane. The group is working with Torfaen County Borough Council and others to achieve this.

In 2022 the group made a successful application to the Heritage Lottery Fund to develop a History and Wellbeing Trail along the towpath. This includes creation of HistoryPoints QR codes which link smartphones to web pages to provide on-the-spot local history – use the links below to view the information at each place featured so far.

Website of the Bridge 46 to Five Locks Canal Group (Facebook)

Featured QR-code locations: