The Fourteen Locks Canal Centre is situated at the head of the Fourteen Locks Flight on the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal at Rogerstone. A café, small museum and shop selling local crafters works is managed by Monmouthshire, Brecon and Abergavenny Canals Trust (MBACT), a registered charity, and it is usually a hub of activity, however recently it has seen a significant decline in visitor numbers, which has resulted in staff accepting voluntary redundancy.
This is due in part to the closure of Cwm Lane for some significant works to be undertaken by Welsh Water, and whilst we are supportive of this investment in our infrastructure we are mindful of the poor signage alerting people of the closure, which is confusing and off putting to our potential visitors. This road closure has also had a huge effect on the convenience store which relies on customers stopping as they travel to and from Cwmbran along Cwm Lane, and also on the Castell Y Bwch Inn near Cwmbran.
Concurrent with this is the work being carried out on the pound by Newport City Council, which is much welcomed, but it does mean that our ducks have had to find another home whilst there is no water in the pound.
Our beloved dragonfly sculpture has been restored and is due to be replaced soon, and the canal works will help preserved it for the next 200 years. We need support from our regular clients and new visitors to ensure the centre remains viable.
The Chairman of MBACT the Reverend John Collier said:
‘ it is very disappointing to see the Centre with so few visitors, we need to reassure our visitors that access to the Centre is possible, but may involve a detour via Ruskin Ave through the estate.
Despite the works on the pound, walking the canal towpath from the Centre North and South is still spectacular, and a refreshing stop at the café for walkers and their doggy friends is welcoming’
Access to the Fourteen Locks Centre will change from Friday 20th March when access will be from the Cwmbran end, necessitating diversions if approaching from Rogerstone. Welsh Water have assured us that diversions will be well signposted from the B4591 High Cross Road in Rogerstone via Ruskin Avenue to Cwm Lane.
For further information:
Newport City Council 01633 656656
Welsh Water 0800 0520145
MBACT: Jayne Collier, Director. jayne@MBACT.org.uk 07968506066