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Lapal Project Summary |
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