The Lapal Canal is the derelict eastern 'half' of the otherwise viable Dudley No. 2. Canal

The entire Dudley No. 2 Canal was (and will be again) a level waterway, without locks

• It was constructed (in some haste) to provide a speedy bypass to avoid the (then) congested BCN canals

1998 was the bi-centenary of the canal's first opening in 1798

At 3795 yds long (2.2.miles), the presently sealed Lapal Tunnel is UK's 4th longest

Tunnel navigation ceased in 1917 due to an unrepaired but localised roof-fall

The Lapal Canal Trust (LCT) was formed in 1990, to strive for full restoration

The LCT is pledged to achieve "Grade-1" restoration of all sections

Some restoration work can be done by volunteers; some must use contractors

Volunteers may contribute to pre-restoration clean-up work, scrub-clearance, tree and hedge planting, etc

Materials and Contractors' expenses will require significant funds (£10M or more)

The A456 road is the only major obstacle to full restoration (other than the Lapal Tunnel)

• Both obstacles have viable, albeit non-trivial, solutions in proposal

The Halesowen 'third' is now being restored, commencing at The Leasowes

The Selly Oak 'third' will rejoin the W&B as a navigable extension canal

Fund-raising and "PR" are of paramount importance

Benefits of restoration include;

• Additional amenities for local communities

• Additional habitats for rural wildlife in urban settings

• Additional opportunities for boating around the BCN canals

• Improved security for offside properties

• Improved landscaping for nearside properties

• Reduction in opportunities for vandalism

• Rejuvination of historical sites;

• Halesowen (St Mary's) Abbey - ancient ruins; heritage site

• Weoley Castle - ancient ruins; heritage site

• Rejuvination of under-developed sites or amenities;

• Battery Park - adjoining land

• California - portal Common and brickyard - a Marina?

• Castle Walkway - recreational corridor; Lapal Greenway

• The Leasowes - southern flank of recreational parkland

• Mucklow Hill - industrial estate

• Selly Oak Park - northern flank of recreational parkland

Completed Restoration Projects :

• Halesowen ; Leasowes Park embankment canal, as an interim "linear lake"

Current Project :

• Selly Oak Park ; Harborne Wharf - pre-restoration attention

  • repairs to Park Lodge Bridge (July 17 & 18, '99)

Next pre-Restoration Project :

• Selly Oak Park ;

  • working party for litter clearance, scrub bashing etc. LCT with WRG

Leasowes Phase-II pre-restoration clearance and preparation - Summer '00

Current Liaisons :

• EPLG - with Birmingham City Council, British Waterways and Sainsbury's, for the Selly Oak Development in and around Battery Park

• WPLG - with Dudley MB Council for completion and maintenance of The Leasowes

• LCT (Main Ctte) - Fund-Raising and Membership campaigns