WORK to restore a major canal near Oswestry continues to progress as volunteers are preparing to clear out more vegetation.
Volunteers from the Shropshire Canal Union Society (SCUS) are helping restore the Montgomery Canal and are looking to restore a section between Crickheath Bridge and Schoolhouse Bridge.
The project has received funds as part of the Government's 'Leveling Up' project.
The SCUS spoke about the interest being shown and has welcomed new volunteers.
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A SCUS spokesperson said: "Another spectacularly productive work party.
"We have now settled in to our new compound south of Crickheath Bridge.
"A wide variety of preparatory tasks were completed and we are now ready for machine plant operations to commence.
We were blessed by favourable weather conditions and vegetation clearance continued apace in the dry channel.
"By the end of the weekend the middle 200 metres had been fully cleared and is now ready for stump removal and site strip.
"Vegetation clearance work also took place at the south end of the site up to Schoolhouse Bridge.
"The wharf at the north end of the site, by Crickheath Bridge has been previously cleared of most vegetation and, as is normal this time of year, had standing water in places due to raised ground water levels.
"However, this didn’t prevent a group of energetic volunteers working at ground level to the rear of the wharf.
"During the summer a number of coping stones will be removed to allow repairs to the wall beneath. Holes were dug in the ground behind the copings in readiness for removal.
On Saturday, another group of volunteers took the opportunity to complete a job required to make good works to the previous project, north of Crickheath Bridge. Over 700 hedging whips of mixed native species were planted on the off side bank along the field fence.
"Back in the compound, volunteers were able to relax at break times in their new surroundings.
"The welfare shelter has been extended, has a brand new tarpaulin roof, half height walls constructed from repurposed newt fencing and, in case of inclement weather, removable window panels.
"We have been greatly encouraged by interest shown in the new project by local residents and the general public, possibly helped by the compound location adjacent to the towpath and by the village.
"Furthermore, we have welcomed a number of new volunteers so far this year including two more young people, accompanied by their guardians."
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