GWENT’S canal and waterways network could play a practical role in future tourism, environmental and transport strategies.

The Canal and River Trust is poised to take over the management of the UK’s inland waterways from British Waterways, and Colliers International planning specialist James Edwards believes the changeover represents an outstanding opportunity.

He said: “The network represents a huge untapped resource for tourism, heritage, environmental projects and even smaller-scale commercial freight movement.”

The Monmouthshire, Brecon and Abergavenny Canals Trust have been set up and are working to restore the canal from Brecon all the way to Newport.

It is hoped that the changeover will give visitors to the waterways a greater role in making them cleaner by creating new habitats, planting trees and restoring towpaths.

Mr Edwards said: “We no longer have the heavy industry that these canals once served, but we still have the infrastructure and should take the opportunity to restore as much of the network and associated historic built environment and features as feasibly possible, whilst boosting tourism and, invariably, employment.”