Thursday 23 May 2013

Ridgacre Canal Update

Last month I sent an email to the West Midlands area of C&RT (see post below) reporting a blocked bridge hole (two fallen Silver Birch trees) and a weed covered section (about 100 Yds long) blocking the Ridgacre branch canal.  I've now received a response which included this line

"We can confirm that we are very committed to keep all of our canals and there is definitely no intention of us closing and losing this section."

Very good, but the email then went on to state

"We have previously investigated the option to dredge it but given the level of contamination and the cost to dispose of these dredging's it is currently unrealistic for us to do so, especially when you consider that we are not always able to dredge the frequently used canals as much as we would like." 

Not so good, the longer it is left the worse it will get and the more expensive it will be to clear, the email then stated that 

"We are aware of this issue being raised on local boaters forums recently so we have addressed it with the local BCNS and told them of our plans and asked for their advice. They agree with our thoughts and have stated that they will not promote its use as part of any rallies."

Very bad as there is now a part of the canal system, admittedly not frequently used, for which the official policy (supported by the local canal society) is not to promote its use.

At the moment it is possible to cruise the first 200 or so yards of the Ridgacre Branch, before being blocked by the weed growth. With an attitude of not promoting its use, how long will it be before the whole branch is lost?