Michael Fabricant visited the Darnford Moors Canal and Ecology Park earlier today (31^st March) along with the Lichfield and Hatherton Canal Restoration Trust and contractors: OnSite.  The work will eventually lead to an economic boost for the Black Country.

“The Canal Trust has secured joint grant funding for a £103,000 ecological project for habitat improvements in woodlands, hedgerows, and water features.  What appears to be a muddy quagmire now will, by the turn of the year, be a waterway surrounded by a stunning park with walkways, flowers, and trees” says Michael.  “The project is moving at a rapid pace!

“Adding to work done by the Trust’s own volunteer teams, 120 metres east of the lift bridge between Darnford Lane and Cappers Lane near Whittington has been dug out by specialist contractors OnSite Central Ltd. During my visit, I saw them laying the final lengths of a modern clay-based waterproof lining. When the canal is filled with water, it will also serve as a reservoir replacing the one displaced by HS2 track works through Cappers Lane.

Photo shows (l to r) Peter Buck and Derek Lord of the Canal Trust, Michael Fabricant (pointing out the canal lift bridge), and Tom Rochford, Contracts Manager at OnSite.

“A further 250 metres will follow with the whole scheme supporting wildlife corridors as a key action in the West Midlands Natural Environment 2021-2026 Plan, regarded by Andy Street, Mayor of West Midlands, of regional importance.  I shall be inviting him to see this project which, while not in the West Midlands Combined Authority, will eventually link the west midlands canal system to the wider network stimulating the tourist economy of the Black Country.”

Michael is a patron of the Lichfield and Hatherton Canal Restoration Trust and Chairman of the All-Party Parliamentary National Waterways Group.

The Canal Trust have made a video of the visit.