Local people will be able to enjoy more space as they walk and cycle along the path after the Trust and 22 cadets from the 347 (Dudley) Squadron Air Training Corps spent the day (Saturday 12 March) cutting back the towpath hedgerow.
The towpath and moorings near the Black Country Living Museum were heavily overgrown and the Cadets answered our call for local people to help make the canal an even more attractive place to visit.
The squadron have transformed the area by cutting back the vegetation to restore the path back to its full width making the route better for walkers, cyclists and visitors. They've also cleared the block paving of weeds and leaf mould to make it a tidier and more welcoming place for people to spend time.
The 347 Squadron is the local Air Cadet unit for the Dudley area and is open to all young men and women aged 12 to 17. The Cadets have the opportunity to go flying and gliding but also get involved in summer camps, a variety of sports and other activities aimed at building confidence and developing skills.
Peter Mathews CMG, chair of the Canal & River Trust's West Midlands Waterway Partnership said; "We've wanted to improve the path for local people for a while and the Air Cadets have provided some valuable people power to help us get it done. They worked really hard and we're very grateful for their support.
"The new path is looking great, it's back to its full width and is a more welcoming route for people wanting to explore the towpath, keep fit or visit the Black Country Living Museum."
Flight Sergeant, Jenny Johnson, said; "The cadets thoroughly enjoyed themselves. It was a pleasure to see them feel a sense of accomplishment once they had cleared towpath. We hope to work with the Canal & River Trust in the future and make a difference to more parts of the canal within the Dudley Borough. If any young people would like to join us doing this or any other activities we offer, more details can be found at our website."
Details of the opportunities available with the Air Cadets can be found at www.347sqn.com
