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Yet more Goverment sponsered Nonsense
It has been reported in many national newspapers that yet another threat to the waterways we know and love is in the offing.
It is reported that the Goverment is considering selling off the 2200 miles of waterways i.e privatisation.
You would think that having sold of the railways and the disaster that was and the money that the tax payer has had to pour into the system since privatisation that any goverment would look long and hard at any short term gains the treasurey might make.
I have no doubt that this daft idea will be resisted by all users of canals.
We have at the moment a system, wherer users only having in the main to deal with just one authorirty, can you imagine the situation if we have to deal with many owners of the system.
Because no one group would buy the whole system, with the popular sections going first leaving many sections like the BCN at the margins, back to the cruiseway and remainer way bad old days.
So folks lets hope this is just one more newspaper story that consists of just a load of goverment spin, or just the ramblings of some think tank doing a bit of head banging.
Created: 1st June 2007
Lapal Canal section news
May this year 2007 and the Lapal Tunnel group held a meeting/news release concerning the completion of a engineers report on a feasablility study into the restoration of the link.
The heart would like to restore the canal and tunnel as it orginally was. But the head realises that the original line has many drawbacks.
The tunnel was always very narrow and to comply with modern boats would need to be re-bored the cost of which would be prohibitive.
So the study has come up with an alternative route removing the need for a long tunnel.
The existing line of the canal would be kept up to the Manor Way, Halesowen where it would cross at a point fully yet to be ascertained. The canal would then run alongside the Manor way towards the Motorway, rising up thro ten locks.
At the motorway a short tunnel would take the canal under the Motorway and the Quinton Expressway.
Ten more locks would then take the canal back to the level of the existing canal track on the Quinton/Selly Qak level.
In this area the track of the canal still exists, over grown but with no major engineering/planning problems. At Selly Qak park the canal skirts the park as a series of ponds at the moment.
At Harbourne Park Road the bridge under the road still exists but filled in.
From here to the junction with the Worcester Birmingham Canal at Selly Qak the canal bed is in the planning stage to be restored as part of Sainsbury's redevelop of the area with a large store.
Local Councillors and local MP's all welcomed the plans as a very possible restoration plan.
Funding is the next hurdle but with the removal of the major engineering problems all know seems more straight forward.
Created: 19th May 2007
Tipton Gauging Station: Saved report to follow
Report:-
Below is the news we have run on this topic to date.
After the Planning meeting the facts are beginning to emerge that the actions of both BW and the Planning office have been to say the least poor.
Vic Smallshire and Vaughan Welch both lobbyed the local and national press having found out about the planning application.
The IWA and other small user groups found out about the applications late in the day. Both Vic and Vaughan expressed annoyance that, for the second time in less than a year BW had put an historic canal structure on the BCN under threat without any prior consultation with user groups.
The first structure was the Coal Chutes at Smethwick, the first anyone knew of the pending demolition was when BW posted a stoppage notice on the Old Main Line to enable the work to be done. After similar protests and action the demolition was put off until other groups could survey the site. This unfortunately confirmed the structure was unsafe and the demolition did take place but not before the site was surveyed and recorded.
This survey high lighted the fact that the site was also the site of a previous structure, and it is hoped that in the future the evidence and facts gained will result in the restoration of the last remains of the coal mining past of the Sandwell area.
Although the IWA became aware of the application re the station at Tipton, the Dudley Canal Trust the area from which Vic comes from, knew nothing of the planning application even though they had made an approach to BW concerning the use of the docks after BW had stated they they intended to "moth ball" the Bradley Maintenance Depot where the Trust dry docked their trip boats.
Both Vic and Vaughan lodged objections to the planning application with only hours to spare, not having time to put together full written evidence.
Such was the strenght of the objection that both men were invited to attend the meeting, and briefly address the committee.
Vic was incensed when prior to the meeting, he said the planning officer concerned told him he, " would be wasting his time" as the proposal was cut and dried and added that in any case their presence would be "superfluous" a fact that Vic repeated to the committee.
Vic's presentation also revealed to the committee facts that the same planning officer had failed to inform the committee off.
1. That the building was a grade 2 listed and the towns development plan clearly stated that no housing would be permitted on the canalside.
2. That the previous occuppier of the building had, for years run an electro-plating business on the site and the land was now bekieved to be heavily contaminated with Cyanide.
Vic told the committee;
" The loss of this important building to canal related use flies in the face of the moves being made by the Black Country Consortium, of which Sandwell is a member, to get the narrow canal system recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Now that the BCN is being recognised as the most important canal system in the world, it is vital that the buildings that formed an important part of the infrastructure are saved and, where possible, restored to their former use."
Both Vic and Vaughan expressed disbelief and anger that the same official told the committee that the canal at Tipton next to the station - the only east-west route in the West Midlands- was not very well used and forecast that the Factory Locks would eventually become derelict and be closed.
Both men were critical of BW's repeated failure to consult other canal users before the land was sold.
" All this is against a background of BW's Chief Executive being on record as saying: "The canal heritage is safe in our hands".
The use the site would be put to was given by both men, who stated that the Trusts fleet of boats was likely to increase and dry docking in the area would be essential for hull blacking and general maintenance. The docks could also raise further revenue by offering a service to private boats in the same area.
After hearing all this evidence the committee put the decision on hold for one day so that a visit by the committee could be made to the site.
Both Vic and Vaughan attended at this visit and later the same day the committee threw the whole planning application out and told the builder to rethink his plans.
The committee further stipulated that any future planning application must include the guaging station for waterway-related use only and not redevelopment for housing or any other use.
Vaughan for the IWA said:
"This is something of a landmark decision and sends a clear message not only to BW but canalside developers in general. The canal heritage is safe at least in the hands of Sandwell Council and local user groups".
Vic said:
"This building could so easily have been lost to the waterways. We hope this decision - which was made with no opposition - will remind BW that they should consult user groups where former canal properties are involved. Had they done so they would have saved themselves and others a lot of time and money."
Tony Harvey: West Midlands Waterways General Manager - who was not in post when the land was disposed off - said he was unaware of the problem until it was raised at a National Users Group Meeting in April. He said the land had been sold on a long lease which still enabled BW to have some control on its development..
He acknowledged that there should have been consultation before the land was sold:
"It is regrettable that this did not happen. However, I have taken steps with our property department to make sure nothing like this ever happens again"
He has also ordered a total review of property disposal procedures and said he would ensure BW was "more open" on property disposal activities.
Comment:-
Thank God for the likes of Vic and Vaughan who's efforts in their own time appear to have saved the day.
I came to the waterways scene in the early 1980's and found the reaction of many of the members of the many user groups to BW as almost hostile. I didn't understand the problem and thought we should be more enlightened towards BW and work more with them.
I think there was a brief period were this happened but the track record of BW in this area lately on so many issues is begining to make me think like those before us.
BW know very well the heritage issues all over the BCN from both their own research and the work of others: the BCNS under Martin O'Keeffe and Ray Shill surveyed nearly all off the buildings along the corridor and presented it to BW.
They and council's have stated ignorance of such facts in the past thinking in particular of the warehouses we lost in Wolverhampton, when following demolition they made similar noises/promises that it would not happen again in the future/ and we will consult. etc.
We obviously know have to have a healthy distrust of BW and keep a very close eye on the disposal of property especially know as with the DEFRA cuts, the Government will expect BW to raise its own revenue to cover the short falls. Property development being an obvious area to raise such money but at what cost?
All of the above occurred at a time when BW was once again being re organised. I have no doubt some "Scape Goating" will be piled on the previous system and staff. Be that true or false, having worked for large organisations who are continually re designing themselves it is never down to just the system. But is always the result of bad management from the top, being to pre-occuppied with re organisation and not the day to day running of the business.
____________________________________
STOP PRESS:-
Sandwell Council rejected the planning application (24/4/07) to turn the Station into Apartments. It was agreed that the building should return to a canal orientated use. So Dudley Canal Trust are presently putting together a business plan to turn this into a reality.
Any support contributors who can assist DCT with any help will be most welcome and can contact Vic Smallshire of DCT on 01384 569798.
Or if you wish to speak to Vic about this or anything else he is giving a talk to the BCNS at the Titford Pumphouse, 7.30pm Thursday 3rd May 2007.
Adjoining land may well still be used for housing but the station appears to have been given a repreive and hopefully a new lease of life.
Due to the interest shown in this planning application; Subject shown on Local TV news with a reporter describing the interior of the Station. Vic Smallshire from Dudley Canal Trust, stated the Trusts interest in the building for storing/maintaining its tunnel boats and the long term aim of restoring of the two docks.
To back this up Vaughan Welch (IWA) and Vic travelled down to London and lobbyed a number of local MP's about the situation.
All this had the effect in giving the site a new possible use
Well done all who petitioned against the planning application.
Created: 7th May 2007
Netherton Tunnel to stay Open
Earlier this year it was reported that the Netherton Tunnel was likely to close long term due to movement in the brick lining to the tunnel.
This all happened around the time the cuts to BW were made due to the DEFRA problem. It was wondered by many if this threat was a way by elements in BW of high lighting the effects the cuts would have.
Protest came from many as this link is a vital part of the Stourport Ring a heavily cruised ring, its closure having many financial effects on many canal orientated businesses.
Well the first closure was put of pending a further inspection by BW.
The tunnel was scheduled to have a major repair work closure in 2010 between November and March, but movement in the brick lining was suspected in a routine inspection late in 2006.
Further inspection has now revealed that although movement has occurred the immediate closure is not required. Measuring equipment has been placed in the tunnel to monitor the situation on a regular basis.
If no further major movement occurs the Tunnel will remain open.
This situation is better news but the history of this problem goes to the heart of the DEFRA cuts problem.
The tunnel is next year to celebrate its 150th anniversary and this society with others are currently planning suitable events to mark this fact. It would be sad if we have a closed tunnel in 2008.
When it was first built questions as to its stability where raised. However the doubters were proved wrong as when built in 1858 no problems occurred until 1905 when the BCN company had to repair the lining after a land heave.
A similar incident in 1977 caused the tunnel to be closed for seven years due to no funding to repair the fault.
The latest movement has occurred between the 1905 and 1984 repaired sections. A BW spokeman said: "If we had had enough money in 1983 then we could have repaired the whole section. Even so, we have only experienced problems with about 10 per cent of the tunnel. So the engineers of 150 years ago didn't do a bad job."
Moral of the story: Cutting funding for projects and maintenance, postponing or in some cases abandoning work only leads to closure. In the 1970's that did not impact so much financially on the many business and canal users as would a closure today.
Lets hope no movement happens or that funding is forth coming so the work can be scheduled before 2010.
Created: 7th May 2007
BCN Campaign Rally.
The rally on the Northern section of the BCN gatherings at Anglesley Basin (as detailed below in Rally news)
It was rumoured that over a 100 boats would attend, a thing not to be missed by all canal photographers. In fact around 60 boats attended, the BCNS tent was erected and everybody had an enjoyable friday and saturday evening event.
Sunday morning the BCNS Explorer cruise started with about 25 boats.
The group soon became a team as the Northern section lived up to its explorer traditions, a number of boats becoming stuck in bridge holes and collecting much rubbish around props.
The true spirit of boating mean't each boat helped other crews to reach each nights stop.
The BCNS Barbecue and slide show on the thursday night at Titford rounded off a really enjoyable cruise for all who took part. Crews with years of boating behind them mixed with a crew who have only just started boating, all agreed that the BCN is not the monster it is made out to be. With the rural beauty of the northern section surprising many.
A cruise into B'ham on the Friday and a gathering and protest Rally finished the weeks event.
Even the weather that was wet for much of the time did not dampen the enthusiam of all crews to return again to the BCN.
Created: 24th April 2007, edited: 6th May 2007
For all Rally and local Campaign events for 2007
See EVENTS SECTION for contact details; but still keep an eye on the national picture of events on:- www.saveourwaterways.org.uk
For all the latest news country wide:
Created: 11th February 2007, edited: 5th May 2007
Social Meetings.
Well everybody who attended Vic Smallshire's talk on Baggeridge Colliery really enjoyed the event.
The talk came from the experiences that Vic had of working at the Colliery as a young surveyor. The history and the last days of the pit that was run by the Earl of Dudley was supported by many photograph's many not seen before in any book. Many were taken by Vic and showed the conditions that the workers had to put up with in an age of very little Health and Safety rules.
The size of the operation was a surprise to many and the extent of both the private railway and the Pensnett Canal on the Earl's land in the case of the railway totalling some 46 miles came as a greater surprise.
Vic approach to this talk was both informative and amusing and was greatly enjoyed by a good turn out.
Thanks Vic for the talk.
Next Social is on Thursday 7th June 2007 same place and time 7.30pm at the Titford Pumphouse,Engine Street.
The talk will be by Bob Wooldridge and the subject is :- The Royal National Lifeboat Institute.
Created: 3rd May 2007
DEFRA Cuts
The group which came together to help fight the DEFRA cuts looks set to wind down a little as they enter summer mode. The campaign put together in a hurry back in 2006 has achieved a great deal.
Along with the IWA and other groups they did not give BW or the Government a free ride over the matter.
Some may not judge the outcome as perfect but the waterways movement were fighting big battlions that don't move overnight.
SoW activists are realists and always thought that the earlier DEFRA cuts were unlikely to be reversed.
In summing up Will Chapman said:
" According to how you interpret his evidence, the Waterways Minister says he now has the facts he asked for; in that case good, he can approach a fair settlement with BW via the Comprehensive Spending Review. Lets hope he quickly gets on with it! We shall be watching closely.
Also canal users should still keep up the presure on their MPs!"
SoW Facts.
1.Caused two Select Committees to be set up.
2.Persuaded Parliment to hear nine waterways-related Early Day Motions.
3.Gained the cross-party support of 400 MPs.
4.With IWA arranged two demonstration weekends, nationwide.
5.Distributed more than 30,000 support documents.
6.Collected so far 40,000 signatures on their petition.
7.Caused Downing Street to carry a petition on the PM's website.
We will maintain the SoW link for members to keep in touch with the latest facts:
SAVE OUR WATERWAYS
Join this important campaign against the cuts made by DEFRA see http://www.saveourwaterways.org.uk
Play your Part.
Maintain BCNS Chairmans orginal letter to his MP as a template for members who wish to maintain pressure on MP's.
Ken Purchase MP,
House of Commons,
Westminster,
London.
SW1A 0AA
Dear Mr. Purchase,
I have written to you in the past on a number of issues including our local canal network but have recently become particularly disillusioned with the cavalier attitude which DEFRA is showing in relation to British Waterways.
As Chairman of the Birmingham Canal Navigations Society, I am appalled by the swingeing cuts that DEFRA are planning to make to the Grant-in-Aid given to British Waterways.
These will have a detrimental effect on the whole canal network but particularly, because the cuts in staff are being focussed on the West Midlands area, upon our local canals.
The BCN Society has worked closely with British waterways towards the aims of conservation and improvement on the BCN resulting in practical achievements such as the restoration of the Titford Pumphouse in Oldbury. It is difficult to see how cuts in grant will have anything but a negative effect on the rest of the heritage and essential canal infrastructure of the BCN.
Over the past decade British Waterways have made great progress in reducing the backlog of maintenance around the BCN. The centre of Birmingham is increasingly recognised as a world class tourist destination focussed around the city centre canals. The on going economic benefits to the city are enormous.
The success of Birmingham is spreading to the other West Midlands centres and canal-centred redevelopment is enhancing the economy and environment in Wolverhampton city centre and other urban areas around the region.
Why should the success of these developments, and others which are being planned, be put in jeopardy because of events which are entirely outside British Waterways’ control ?
Why should British Waterways be unfairly penalised by massive cuts when the problem is that of another branch of the Government Department which controls its funding ?
Why have the problems brought on by DEFRA’s inability to budget properly for its farm payments been targeted at British Waterways ? This is manifestly unfair.
I urge you to raise this matter with the Waterways Minister Barry Gardiner and Environment Secretary David Milliband.
Best wishes,
Created: 30th April 2007
Walsall Waterfront: £50m Project proposed
Staffordshire based developer Jessop is asking for planning permission for the re-development of Waterfront South. The development will consist of 360 homes, 4800sq ft of office, restaurant and cafe bars space built along the west side of the canal from the New Art Gallery.
The canal towpath will be widened to provide a safe walkway linking the Manor Hospital re development with the Town centre developments. A tree lined pedestrian boulevard, linking Charles Street with the towpath and a new pedestrian bridge to give access to the north side of he canal.
Planning meeting in June and if approved groundwork to start this year.
Sounds good the in the round. The artists impressions of the area are as expected, looking just like the centre of any new city canal development. The one thing missing is the bridge across the canal, it appears to date if it has a design it is not yet broadcast.
If other such schemes are anything to go by the bridge usually starts off as a real flight of fancy just short of Spencers millenuim bridge minus bounce. After much talk is watered down, is this a developers ploy to divert attention?
We will see.
Created: 19th April 2007
Green Algae Problem: Wharf Basin: Walsall
As many will now, green algae has plaqued many sections of the Walsall/Wryley & Essington canals over the last few years.
Recently however it became more prominent when it moved into the Walsall Arm and completely filled the Wharf area.
There followed a number accidents locally blamed on the weed, as poeple mistaking the carpet of algae as grass either walked or laterly tried to park cars on it. Concerns reached a peak after a motorist drove his 6 month old BMW into the canal in March this year followed shortly afterwards the same day when an 11yr old girl fell into the water at the same location.
Laast September a blind man and his guide dog fell into the water and had to be rescued by drinkers from a nearby bar. A pensioner drove his vehicle into the water last May and another pensioner ruined a £16,000 Rover in 1999.
Following the latest incident BW sent in its equipment, provided by AWM Skips for a clean-up operation which is scheduled to last two weeks. BW Spokeswomen Sally- Anne Partoon said: The Algae removel operation is part of a regular works programme, planned several months ago, and should minimise the risk of confusion in future.
Created: 15th April 2007
Heritage Items of Concern around the BCN
Monmore Green Basin also known as Chillington Interchange Basin, Wolverhampton.
This basin retains both the basin and the canopy over it and remains as it was during the later days of the interchange trade.
For this reason it is now Grade 2 listed.
The bridge that carries the towpath over the entrance to the basin is supported by iron beams that date from the 1840's is also a part of this structure but may not be covered by the listing.
This basin has been the cause of much concern for years. It is believed to be the last one of its kind. Wolverhampton Council have met with the owners,EWS, English Welsh and Scottish Railways and expressed their concerns.
Representatives for EWS have agreed to take these concerns to their new property director and to advise the council as a matter of urgency.
If you wish to make your feelings known to Wolverhampton Council contact:
Nick Hogben, Conservation and Urban Design,
Regeneration and Environment,
Wolverhampton City Council,
Civic Centre,
St Peters Square,
Wolverhampton WV1 1RP
Phone 01902 555625, 555617 or 555622
E mail: conservation@wolverhampton.gov.uk
Created: 21st March 2007
Links to other Sites
A new section hopefully of interest for canal users in the Midlands will be added to in time.
Links.
Coventry Canal Society. http://www.covcanalsoc.org.uk/
Droitwich Canal Trust. http://www.worcs.com/dct/
Lapal Canal. http://www.lapal.org/
Lichfield & Hatherton Canal Restoration. http://www.ihcrt.org.uk
The Shropshire Union Canal Society. http://www.shropshireunion.org.uk
Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal Society. http://www.swcs.org.uk
Stratford Canal Society. http://www.stratfordcanalsociety.org.uk
Worcester & Birmingham Canal Society. http://www.wbcs.org.uk
Jim Shead Canal Site.A good site to get a full picture of the canal scene http://www.jim-shead.com
CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) Site has a good list of all the pubs you as a visitor by canal to the BCNS may wish to visit.
Although not canal orientated has bus and train connections on. If planning a canal visit armed with an A to Z there is tons of info on this site to make your visit very merry. http://www.dudleycamra.org.uk
Created: 20th March 2007
Closure of another BCN canal related Business
As from now ours friends at Oldbury Boat Services, Old Main Line have ceased trading.
The Highways Agency will resume control of this section of land as from Friday 30th March 2007. Access to the yard had always been troublesome from Tatbank Road having to pass between the columns of the elevated M6. Passed and future work by the Agency on the supports to the motorway had caused access problems to the yard, but no more.
All the moorers at the site are having to move away but it is hoped in future to secure a number of offside secure overnight moorings at the old yard the rest of the site being fenced off from the canal, with no access off the moorings. Talks and plans being made with nothing concrete to date.
So no diesel on this section of the BCN. Nearest fuel outlets.
In Birmingham Oozells Loop.
Dudley No 2:- Coombeswood Canal Trust, Hawne Basin.
Just off BCN various outlets below Wolverhampton 21 on Staff & Worcs and just into the Shroppie.
Created: 19th March 2007
Grade 2 Listed Structures on the Canals of Oldbury
The first edition of a series listing all of the Grade 2 listed structures on the BCN: Starting with the Oldbury section:-
Brades Locks - Bottom Lock, B'ham Canal, Gower Branch, approximately 130m north of Brades Hall Bridge, Dudley Road East, Tividale:- 1835 Canal lock, 1st listed 29/09/1987.
Brades Locks - Upper Two Locks, B'ham Canal, Gower Branch, Dudley Road East, Tividale:- 1835 Canal Lock, 1st listed 29/09/1987.
Canal Bridge, B'ham Canal, Titford Branch, Station Road Oldbury:- 1835 Canal Road Bridge, 1st listed 29/09/1987
.
Canal Towpath Bridge/ junction B'ham Canal B'ham level, Netherton Tunnel Branch Canal, 400m east of Dudley Port Portal. Mid 19th Century Towpath Bridge, 1st listed 29/09/1987.
Canal Towpath Bridge over Gower Branch, B'ham Canal, B'ham Level, Gower Branch, approx 370m n/w of Unoin Rd, Tividale:- 1855 Towpath Bridge, 1sr listed 29/09/1987.
Canal Towpath Bridge over New Main Line, B'ham canal, B'ham level/ Junction with Netherton Tunnel Branch, Tividale:- Mid 19th Century Towpath Bridge, 1st listed 29/09/1987.
Engine House, adjoining Top Lock, Oldbury Locks, B'ham Canal, Titford Branch, Engine Street, Oldbury :-Post 1837 Canal Pumping Hse, 1st listed 29/09/1987.
Langley Maltings, Western Rd, Oldbury:- 1870 Malting Hse, 1st listed 18/03/1974.
Netherton Tunnel North Portal, B'ham Canal, B'ham Level, approx 130m n/w of Dudley Rd West:- 1858 Canal Tunnel portal, 1st listed 29/09/1987.
Oldbury Locks - Btm Lock, B'ham Canal, Titford Branch, approx 60m N of Tatbank Rd:- 1838 Canal lock, 1st listed 29/09/1987.
Oldbury Locks - 2nd lock, B'ham Canal, Titford Branch, Tatbank Rd:- 1837 Canal lock, 1st listed 29/09/1987.
Oldbury Locks - 3rd lock, B'ham Canal, Titford Branch, 90m S of Tatbank Rd:- 1837 Canal lock, 1st listed 29/09/1987.
Oldbury Locks - 4th lock, B'ham Canal, Titford Branch, approx 90m N of Engine St.
1837 Canal Lock, 1st listed 29/09/1987.
Oldbury Locks - 5th lock, B'ham Canal, Titford Branch, approx 10m N of Engine St.
1837 Canal Lock, 1st listed 29/09/1987
Oldbury Locks - Top lock, B'ham Canal, Titford Branch, approx 30m S of Engine St.
1837 Canal Lock, 1st listed 29/09/1987
Tividale Aqueduct, B'ham Canal, Wolv'n Level, approx 140m E of Groveland Rd, Tividale.
Circ 1890 Canal Aqueduct, 1st listed 29/09/1987.
To be continued....
Created: 18th March 2007
Stourbridge Trust gets BW Assurance
The Trust based at the former Stourbridge Navigation Company's office at the end of the Town Arm, also leases the listed Bonded Warehouse from BW.
The warehouse has become over the years a major meeting place for Stourbridge organisations with its facalities in use most evenings. Every October the Trust holds an Open Weekend, which is one of the biggest canal events in the West Midlands, attracting over a 100 boats and thousands of visitors.
The area around the Trust has been for years mainly industrial buildings spread out along a road adjacent to the Warehouse.
As has been happening in many locations the industry has been closing down and developers have been moving in, building canalside dwellings.
Further such developments threatened the Trusts above activities, especially the Open Weekend.
An assurance that any canalside property redevelopment will not compromise the Trusts activities came from BW's West Midland Waterways Business Development Manager, John Oakes.
Trust Financial Director Chris Dyche said
"This assurance is extremely good news particularly as 2006 was a record year for the Trust. The public use warehouse has steadily increased and is in use either for Trust activities or other public and private functions almost every day of the week.
Our tripping operation has also had a record year and our Open Weekend continues to grow every year.
But all of this would have been wiped out if we had lost the land we use for car parking"
Created: 13th March 2007
West Midlands to Benefit from £400,000 boost
BW has recieved a £400,000 cash injection from Advantage West Midlandss to encourage more visitors to waterside communities along the canals of the region.
The project focuses on the three main circular cruise routes known as the Warwirkshire, Stourport and Four Counties Rings. A three year project to help visitors to the region discover the waterways.
The project will try:-
To enhance visitor moorings and provision of visitor amenities, from towpaths to tiolets, and improve access to the canal from canalside businesses, attractions and facalities.
Improve Towpaths and landscape and enviromental improvements will also be undertaken to improve these areas and make visitors feel safe and welcome.
A marketing campaign to raise the awareness of the canals and specifically the Warwirkshire,Stourport and Four Counties Rings and the development of positive working relationships with canalside businesses and attractions.
Created: 12th March 2007
Victory for BCN Cottage 65.
Fred Grove has won an amazing victory by forcing B'ham City Council to withdraw the Compulsory Purchase Order on his canalside cottage 34 Belmont Row, otherwise known as BCN cottage 65.
Fred had lived in the cottage for 40yrs and was threatened by eviction even though there were no plans to demolish it.
AWM and the Council who are planning to redevelop the area argued that the noise and dust of development work simply meant that it was "in his own best interests" to leave.
Now a victory has been achieved, thanks to Fred's solicitor, who has persuaded the council to remove the CPO before the matter was due to be discussed at a public enquiry.
Created: 7th March 2007