THE NEWPORT to Risca stretch of the Monmouth-shire and Brecon canal has received some tender loving care at the hands of the Waterways Recovery Group.

This national network of volunteers has spent a fortnight at Fourteen Locks re-building culverts, mending fencing and inspecting the Georgian brick and stone-work.

Twenty enthusiasts turned up for the project from all corners of the UK. They've been hosted by the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal Trust and supported by planners and engineers from Newport council.

The trust has arranged no-frills sleeping accommodation for the volunteers at a nearby village hall.

Materials and equipment are being funded by European grant monies plus a contribution from Herian Heritage in Action.

Welcoming the volunteers to the city, councillor Ken Critchley, cabinet member for development and employment, said: "We're delighted that the Waterways Recovery Group has chosen to come to Newport again and help us in the effort to restore the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal.

"Their work will make a substantial contribution to the restoration of this unique landmark."

The canal trust has been lobbying Gwent councils for years with arguments in favour of restoring the canal.

The waterway has suffered greatly at the hands of post-war planning departments being bisected for road schemes and erased completely near its old Newport terminus. The trust is arguing that a complete restoration will generate significant job opportunities and tourism revenue for Gwent.

This would be in addition to cycling, walking, fishing and boating opportunities for residents.

Led by chairman Chris Morgan, the trust has already scored a major victory in convincing Newport Unlimited to adopt its plan for a Canal basin in Crindau which will connect the canal to the River Usk via lock gates.

Another, recently-approved European Objective 2 project will raise Bettws Lane Bridge so that canal boats will once again be able to go underneath. The cost of the project is £700,000 with half of the money coming from Europe and the remainder from an Assembly source called the Local Regeneration Fund.