Wales & Border Counties General Manager Julie Sharman said these vital works were part of British Waterways' continuing commitment to developing the Llangollen Canal, one of the busiest waterways in the UK.

'By undertaking this work, we can ensure key visitor attractions like the Llangollen Canal will continue to play a major role in the growing tourism industry of Wales, ' said Sharman.

Work has involved closing the towpath between Grindley Brook and Quoisley, although a good quality diversion route has been put in place to ensure customers are able to reach the nearby Willeymoor public house, which will remain open for business throughout the operation.

The Willeymoor public house is a popular destination which caters for boaters during the summer season and walkers all year round. Work over this section was expected to last for three weeks, with as much silt as possible from the canal bed being spread over nearby fields, providing nutrients for the soil.

British Waterways is also taking the opportunity to undertake maintenance works to the towpath as the project progresses.

'The Llangollen Canal is a major contributor both to the local and regional economy, contributing hundreds of thousands of pounds annually in visitor and tourism spend, ' Ms Sharman added.

Wales & Border Counties is charged with maintaining, improving and restoring a total of 75 miles of waterway in Wales. It estimates that 7.5 million visits annually are made to these attractions, generating around £30 million and thus benefiting regional and local economies.