Michael Fabricant, who is Patron of the Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust, visited the restoration site on Saturday 9^th June and attended the Trust’s AGM in Brownhills the previous evening.

Michael says “I visited a number of locations where work is being undertaken to restore the canals and I was accompanied by Christine Bull, the Trust’s Chair; David Dixon, the former Chair; and Peter Buck, the Engineering Director.

“As well as loving the water and narrowboating, Christine shares my passion for the environment surrounding the canals.  So I was particularly interested to see the wetland walkways and islands being constructed which will be a delight once the canal has been filled with water.

“Visitors will eventually be able to walk along the canal towpath and picnic on the islands interconnected by the walkways and enjoy watching the wildlife.

“The work being undertaken by volunteers is fantastic.

“I have no doubt that as the Lichfield canal is filled with water – at first this is being done between the locks, but will eventually fill the whole length of the canal to make it navigable – it will provide a huge environmental and economic boost to our City.”

Peter Buck, Engineering Director, shows Michael the beginnings of the wetland walkway.

(l to r below)  Peter Buck (Engineering Director),  Michael Fabricant,  David Dixon (former Chair), and Christine Bull (Chair of the Trust) at Gallows Wharf on the Lichfield Canal