Restoring section of Hereford canal would improve connectivity to the city, says volunteer group
The Herefordshire and Gloucestershire Canal Trust wants to re-open the link from Aylestone Park in the northeast to where the new transport hub will be in the centre
Re-opening a section of Hereford's canal would create a 'clear route' into the city from its edges, says a volunteer group.
The Herefordshire and Gloucestershire Canal Trust want to restore the link from Aylestone Park in the northeast to where the new transport hub will be.
With a history dating back to the 19th century, records show work on the full canal route from Gloucestershire to Herefordshire was finished in 1845.
Trustee from the canal trust group Tony Higgins says the project is about restoring the canal back to its former self and would have real benefits to it.
"The canal has become derelict over that time, but it hasn't gone away and it's there," he said.
"There is still a tunnel underneath Aylestone Hill, which you can see one end from the other, so the tunnel is still open and just how exciting it would be to get that tunnel re-opened along with the rest of it.
"Doing this would actually bringing back almost the equivalent of the benefits that the original canal bought to Hereford and it would make it possible for people to walk and to cycle along the line of the old canal into what will soon be the new transport hub."
Mr Higgins says the plans have been put forward to Herefordshire Council who have shown support for it.
A Herefordshire Council spokesperson said it "recognises the history and route of the canal between Aylestone Park and Merton,” which could “make a positive contribution to sustainable transport links across the city.”
It added it would also "continue to assist the trust in developing their plans."