Twin Pontcysyllte attractions scoop access awards by Daniel Butler

Two visitor attractions based at mighty Pontcysyllte Aqueduct are ushering in the new season with a double success in winning important community access awards.

Historic Trevor Basin on the Llangollen Canal and The Vale of Llangollen Boat Trust, were awarded the accolades by Wrexham Disability Forum.

Now, with the new season underway, these familiar features of the Pontcysyllte visitor experience are welcoming the first of thousands of tourists who visit the Llangollen Canal annually.

The awards recognise accessibility improvements by the Trust to its two boats Millie and Glas y Dorlan (Kingfisher in English) while towpath and access improvements to historic Trevor Basin secured its award. The Vale of Llangollen Trust has been operating for 25 years, its two narrowboats providing day trips and longer holidays for people with mobility difficulties.

We provide day trips, short breaks and holidays for about 1,600 disabled people and their families every year,?"'� said Trust Chairman Gill Thomas. But increased costs are a constant concern and we are always actively seeking supporters who can help us provide an enjoyable experience for people who might otherwise miss out on a holiday,?"'� she added.

Trevor Basin sits at the northern end of the towering structure, the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, which spans the Dee Valley a dizzying 130 feet below. It was built as part of the overall project, which was completed in 1805. It provides mooring facilities and a dry dock.

The basin has undergone a range of upgrades and enhancements in recent years, including new paths, landscaping, seating, artwork and interpretation that have improved accessibility to the area, and allowed more people to enjoy the towering aqueduct and spectacular views across the Welsh countryside.

British Waterways Wales & Border Counties?"'"" general manager, Julie Sharman said the award was an important recognition of the strategy to make the waterways of Wales accessible to all members of the community.

We are leading partners in EQUAL, a groundbreaking community initiative dedicated to removing physical and social barriers to work opportunities for everyone in Wales. Our work improving the whole waterway experience for visitors by improving access points and upgrading towpaths will continue,?"'� said Ms Sharman.

EQUAL is backed by the European Social Fund and comprises a broad based partnership committed to positive social change.

Waterscape provide official guides on canal holidays in the UK.

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