THE official opening of a stretch of restored canal outside Oswestry on Friday has been welcomed by North Shropshire MP Helen Morgan.

Mrs Morgan was on hand to cut the ribbon for the newly-restored section of the Montgomery Canal in Crickheath, between Oswestry and Welshpool.

The MP also unveiled a plaque and spoke at the grand reopening of the canal, which has been lovingly restored by volunteers from Restore the Montgomery Canal.

And she praised all involved in the restoration and launch event.

She said: “The grand reopening was a wonderful event fitting of the wonderful effort the volunteers have put in restoring the canal.

“The work of the Montgomery Canal Partnership is truly astounding, and seeing the result up close today brought home how hard the team have worked.

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“It was a real honour to be able to cut the ribbon, unveil the plaque commemorating the event, and to do so with cross-party political support.

“Shropshire is a brilliant part of the country to live in, and we are really lucky to have the newly restored canal right on our doorstep – I really can’t recommend it enough.”

Mrs Morgan joined guests at the opening on the canal itself for a tour, cutting the ribbon from one of the boats on the newly restored section.

And she was also keen to lend her support to a bid to make money to restore the next section of the canal.

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She said: “The event included the launch of a renewed ‘Restore the Montgomery Canal!’ appeal, again supported by TV canal celebrities and Trust Vice-Presidents Timothy West and Prunella Scales. 

“The appeal will assist the Shropshire Union Canal Society volunteers as they work their way to Schoolhouse Bridge.”

Mrs Morgan was joined by Shropshire Council leader Lezley Picton as the plaque at the new site was unveiled, while volunteers from Restore the Montgomery Canal group were also there.