Restoration

There are only two lengths of the Glamorganshire Canal still in water - at Forest Farm, Whitchurch and at Pontypridd.

The canal remains at Pontypridd are only about 0.5 km in length but contain a number of very significant features - the only remaining intact double lock flight, the only stone tail bridge in regular use and canal-side cottages still used as dwellings.

Because of its historical significance to the town, a number of restoration operations have been carried out over the last 35 years. These were, however, limited by the loss of a significant length of canal south of the basin and also a part of the original basin, the effect being to isolate the basin from the remaining length of canal at Nightingales Bush.

The following summarise the present principal aspirations for restoration:

The recovery of the original canal line and the re-establishment of the original western towpath.
The recovery of the original basin area.
The uncovering of the whole canal bed thus connecting the basin and the Nightingales Bush section.
The removal of the 1970s bridge, concrete culvert and pathway.
The clearing of the canal bed north of Nightingales Bush.
The clearance of excessive tree growth to the east.

We are also pressing for the preservation and restoration of Locks 31/32.

contractors at Canal Basin - June 2014

Contractors Peter Simmons Construction commenced the removal of debris from the lower basin. Debris deposited in the lower basin came from demolition works carried out at the top of lock 31. Many thanks to RCT Street Cleansing Department for organising the removal.

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Funding and Support

Funding is a key factor in continuing our work in Pontypridd. The Bunch of Grapes Inn have since 2010 been a staunch supporter of the restoration works providing use of their facilities for the welfare of our working party. Pontypridd Town Council continues to invite us to apply under its small grants scheme and has also set aside funds to assist with the removal of debris from the site.
We have also historically received support from Keep Wales Tidy and Rhondda Cynon Taf CBC in carrying out major clearance work at Locks 31 and 32 and the canal basin.

Clearance Work at Locks 31 and 32 - 2011

The RCT Tidy Towns Team did a superb job at Locks 31 and 32 and have transformed its appearance. Many self-seeded trees have been removed and rubbish removed from the locks. The photos below show Lock 32 before and after the clearance work.

March 2011

The same area after several hard sessions of clearance work. Trees that were damaging the canal wall and were growing in the canal bed have been removed,

Work at Lock 31

New Site Facilities

Since work commenced on the site over five years ago, there has been a continuing need for tools and equipment used on site. As you will see in the photograph below, the latest acquisition has been a steel girder which we used to raise fallen coping stones from the lock floor.

RSJ used to raise the larger coping stones from the bottom of lock 32

RSJ kindly donated by Overdale Engineering via Mr Paul Bradley.

Survey Work

Surveying work, funded by the Restoration Committee of the Inland Waterways Association, was completed in March 2011.

Canal Clearance

The canal south of the concrete bridge has become totally overgrown due to neglect. PCCG members are for the present concentrating on the lock system. Later work will involve removal of this overgrowth.

Summer 2002

This section of canal less than 10 years ago when it was in water just south of the concrete bridge.

October 2010

The canal south of the concrete bridge in October 2010.

April 2011

In July and August our teams worked at Nightingales Bush clearing Himalayan balsam, weed from the canal and self-seeded trees.

In March 2012 many hours were spent on the removal of tree growth from under the massive stones at the east gate recess of the lock. The photos show the appearance at the start and finish of the work.

Parts of the western side of Lock 31 were cleared of tree stumps in late August and September and seeded. The photo shows the lock following the clearance work by Peter Simmons and the re-positioning of the boundary fence.