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Facelift for Blakenhall towpaths

12th Sep 2006

People in Blakenhall and Goscote are getting a huge boost to their quality of life as over £200,000 is pumped into the transformation of a local stretch of canal.

Walsall Council, Walsall’s New Deal for Communities and British Waterways have joined forces to carry out access and towpath improvements and create a better environment between Goscote Works Bridge and Goscote Hall Bridge in Blakenhall.

The project is set to be completed on September 30 and will create a fantastic new leisure spot for everyone in the community.

A better environment

Motorcycle barriers are being installed to help stop inconsiderate motorcyclists causing a nuisance to towpath users and residents whose homes border the canal – a concern raised during extensive consultation with residents.

There will be a wide, refurbished towpath, refurbished motorcycle barriers and new access points next to the bridges with improved pedestrian access.

Greg Cook, project manager for British Waterways, said he is delighted that British Waterways can work with its partners to make a difference to the local area:

"This exciting scheme will enable the community to really make the most of their local canal, whether they are walking, cycling, fishing or just relaxing. It is the second phase of a project which will transform the waterway that forms the boundary between the New Deal area and Goscote. We hope people will be impressed by the changes they see."

Funding

Money for improvements to the 700 metre stretch of the Wyrley and Essington Canal is coming from Walsall’s New Deal for Communities and British Waterways, as well as Walsall Council’s £1.7 million allocation for the Transforming Your Space: Fair Share initiative from the Big Lottery Fund.

A further 1.1 kilometres of towpath has already been improved in the Goscote, Blakenhall and Bloxwich areas. The changes came in response to a survey showing that most people wanted to see an improved towpath and the creation of a safe place for walking, enjoying wildlife and sitting and relaxing.

Last updated: 22/10/2008