Protect and Preserve the Mon & Brec Canal Group has issued an update on the ongoing campaign to resolve the long-running water abstraction challenges affecting the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal.

The Group confirms that it remains active and fully engaged with partners and decision-makers to ensure a long-term, sustainable outcome for the canal — a vital asset for local communities, businesses and visitors across Bannau Brycheiniog.

Recent Developments

On 17 July, the Welsh Government announced two significant actions:

1. Investment in pumping infrastructure

A £5m investment was made to support Welsh Water/Dŵr Cymru following concerns that their pumping system, which supplies water purchased by the Canal & River Trust (CRT), was at risk of failing.

While this funding primarily addressed infrastructure owned by DCWW, it reduced the immediate risk of interruption to the supplementary water supply. CRT has confirmed that it has spent just under £1m on purchased water this year — funds that might otherwise have supported maintenance and dredging.

2. A Task & Finish Group established

A multi-agency Task & Finish Group has been formed to find both short-term and long-term solutions — covering operational, infrastructure and financial considerations.

Represented bodies include:

Welsh Government, CRT, Natural Resources Wales, Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water, Powys County Council, Monmouthshire County Council, Torfaen County Borough Council, Caerphilly County Borough Council, the Welsh Office and the UK Government.

Although the first meeting, initially expected in early September, was delayed, it has now been rescheduled for Monday 17 November. Discussions have continued behind the scenes, and the Group is expected to outline potential solutions.

Ongoing Engagement from PPMB

While communication has been quieter publicly to allow the Task & Finish Group space to work, PPMB has continued to:

• Maintain regular contact with Welsh Government
• Work with the Senedd Petitions Committee to ensure the Petition remains active
• Engage with local authorities, CRT, MSs and MPs
• Reinforce the urgency of the situation at every stage of delay

This sustained engagement has ensured that the issue remains firmly on the agenda. Without it, the petition would likely have been closed.

Next Steps

PPMB is hopeful that next Monday’s meeting of the Task & Finish Group will bring meaningful progress. The Group continues to advocate for timely decisions, recognising the impact of delay on the canal, the communities it supports, and the visitor economy across the region.

We will share further updates as they become available.