During the last year, I have noticed a marked deterioration in the condition of the canal in my local area. This is a great pity and reflects badly on Newport Council, which is responsible for the stretch of the Brecon and Monmouthshire canal running through Newport.

During this period, the council has failed to regularly cut back the canal banks.

By the beginning of September it had only cut back the vegetation on one occasion (during the spring) resulting in growth of more than six feet in many places between the towpath and the canal.

This is not only unsightly, but the occurence of large amounts of nettles and brambles presents a safety hazard to passers-by. There are also a large amount of reeds and other fast-growing plants that clog long stretches of the waterway, in some place from bank to bank.

All this is in contrast to the section of the canal which is the responsibility of Caerphilly Council, which has cut back undergrowth on a regular basis and has ensured, through dredging and other measures, that the canal is properly maintained.

Newport Council needs to work with Caerphilly and Torfaen Council to seize the opportunity that the Cwmbran to Crumlin section of the canal offers for leisure, tourism and economic growth, and develop it so that we can once more be proud of our local canal.

Neil Pritchard, Little Oaks View, Rogerstone