Updates
04/10/2024 13:40
The towpath only is now back open.
For your safety following the chemical spill:
Keep out of the water (including pets)
No fishing or magnet fishing
No water based activity
19/08/2024 09:55
Please see updated location details. Navigation remains closed at Walsall lock flight, with barriers in place at Ocker Hill Junction & Birchills Junction. Towpath closure barriers are in place at James Bridge Aqueduct & Rollingmill Street Bridge.
17/08/2024 18:01
Following extensive works to contain the pollution over the last week and today, we are happy that we will now be able to open some sections of the affected navigations tomorrow (Sunday 18th August) from 9am.
We are reopening the closed sections of the Tame Valley and Rushall Canals, and the lock flights at Perry Bar, Rushall and Ryders Green. Our teams will be on site at the locks from first thing to ensure the locks are set properly having been without through flow for a period of time. If you arrive and they are still working on this please wait for their instructions.
The Walsall Canal remains closed to navigation north of the junction at Ocker Hill and to the junction with the Wyrley and Essington Canal. Navigation barriers, stop planks and dams and have been installed in the Walsall Canal as part of the containment measures for the pollution and will remain for the time being.
The towpath closure on the Walsall Canal is now reduced to between the M6 and Rollingmill Street Bridge. Please observe this towpath closure which is for public health reasons. More information about the response is available on Walsall Council's website at Updated statement - Toxic chemical spillage - 7am, 16 August 2024 | Walsall Council
16/08/2024 09:48
Laboratory testing conducted by the Environment Agency has resulted in the reopening of sections of the towpath in Walsall and neighbouring areas which have been closed following a chemical spillage. Thorough testing has taken place within a 12-mile stretch of the canal from the Walsall lock flight to the lock flights at Rushall/Ryders Green and Perry Barr and the restricted area of canal is reduced to one kilometre. The towpath outside the restricted area has been reopened to the public and our teams are working to reopen the canals to navigation outside the restricted area as quickly and safely as possible.
We are working with boaters who have been stuck and have arranged safe passage for those who wish to leave the area. If you haven't made contact with us and you need to move, please get in touch on 0303 040 4040.
Please see latest update from Walsall Council below.
Updated statement - Toxic chemical spillage - 7am, 16 August 2024 | Walsall Council
13/08/2024 14:46
Please see latest update from Walsall Council below. Any boaters who are stuck in the affected area, please contact us on 0303 040 4040.
https://go.walsall.gov.uk/newsroom/update-toxic-chemical-spillage-13-august-2024
The spillage has gone into the canal in Walsall and as a precautionary measure, we are asking the public to avoid an extended area of the canal and towpaths from the Walsall lock flight to the lock flights at Rushall/Ryders Green and Perry Barr.
The Environment Agency is establishing a sampling and testing programme, and we hope to reduce the affected area as soon as possible.
In the meantime, please stay away from the affected stretch of the canal as there are potential serious risk to health if you or your pets are exposed (direct physical contact with the water)
Anyone who has been exposed (direct physical contact) along the affected stretch of canal water and is feeling unwell, should seek health advice via 111 or 999 in an emergency.
13/08/2024 09:31
Please be advised we're closing the navigation and towpath as we are currently responding to a major chemical leak. The fire service have instructed there should be no boat movement in the Walsall area while we try to contain the spill.
The following lock flights have been locked off:
- Walsall Lock Flight
- Ryders Green Lock flight
- Rushall Lock Flight
- Perry Barr Lock Flight
We are urging the public to avoid all towpaths around the canal as contact with the spill poses a serious risk to public health. We'll provide a further update as soon as we receive one.
