Descriptions
Update 30/05/2025 11:14
After being closed since August 2024, we are planning to reopen the Walsall Canal to boaters on Thursday 5th June. The towpath remains open for walkers and cyclists.
The canal has been dredged to remove cyanide-contaminated silt, further reducing risks to wildlife and supporting ecological recovery. Approximately 526 tonnes of silt have been removed and safely disposed of. Teams of volunteers are currently working to clear rubbish and debris that accumulated while the canal was closed, as well as cutting back overgrown vegetation.
The cleanup has so far cost the Trust hundreds of thousands of pounds - funds that would otherwise have been used to repair our canals. We will seek to reclaim this money from the polluting company and reinvest it in caring for the canals in the West Midlands.
Update 01/05/2025 11:55
We are pleased to inform our customers that dredging operations to remove cyanide-contaminated silt from the Walsall Canal have now been completed. This marks a major milestone in the ecological recovery of the canal and progress towards its eventual reopening to boating traffic. Water samples have now been taken and we are currently awaiting the results. These results will determine whether the water is safe and if any further action is required before the canal can be reopened. We appreciate your continued patience and support during this important phase of the project and will provide further updates as soon as the results are available.
This notice was originally posted on an old system which has now been upgraded, the original description and latest update have been transferred here. To view any historical updates related to this notice, please click Here
Original 01/05/2025 11:52
The Trust has been made aware of a significant pollution which is affecting the Walsall Canal in the Pleck area. In the interest of public safety, we have taken the decision to close both the navigation and towpath until further notice. Multiple agencies are on site dealing with the incident and further information will follow in due course.
