Tuesday September 19th 2006

• Heavy infiltration of weed in lock at start of section (adjacent to Cross Keys pub). Update: Intention to remove.

• Some litter throughout section including bread crate.

• Vandalism - (August) - The litterbin adjacent `recreation ground` securing cable missing. Update: Heavy chain and padlock fitted.

• Vandalism - (August)-A fence panel, removed from Pontnewydd Park perimeter and dumped in the canal. Update: Now removed.

•  Litter bins along section being used.One required emptying.

• Several Mallard Ducks and Moorhens.

• Duckweed prevalent.

• Large area of Marsh Horsetail (Equisetum palustre).

• An Asda shopping trolley in the canal Lock.  Update: still awaiting removal

• Litterbins in use, one required emptying.

• Duckweed prevalent.

• One road cone in the canal.

• (August) Two shopping trolleys and a child's toy Tractor in the canal. Update : Still awaiting removal.

• Vandalism (August) A steel bollard has been removed from the towpath and discarded in the adjacent Lock. Update: Now retrieved and replaced.

• Some litter in the Lock.

 N.b Stewart's Team have great difficulty removing rubbish from any of the Locks, due to `Safety concerns`

• No Shopping Trolleys

• No tote boxes.

• No Wooden Pallets

• Several submerged car tires

• Vandalism (August) - Several `Crib Lock` stone blocks, beneath wooden footbridge dislodged and others missing Update:`Ownership` needs establishing.
• Several shoals of fish observed: Tench, Roach and Perch.

---

.. `Pets at Home` store ..

(August) The `Pets at Home ` store, need to address their storage compound framework and security as a matter of priority.

.. Storage compound unsecured and gate inadequate for the purpose ..

For several months, I have been publishing my concern, in regards to tote boxes and wooden pallets belonging to the `Pets at Home` store, which is situated adjacent to the canal. On countless occasions, I have observed these items discarded in the canal. I have stated that this is unacceptable and a `negative form of advertising`

Update:-

On the 29th August 2006, I received a positive response from Mr. David Poole (Retail Operations Manager) who informed me that he had requested their Maintenance department to obtain competitive tender prices for either the repair and make good of the storage compound or the total renewal, the latter being his preferred option.

On the 14th September 2006, I received a further positive response from Mr. David Poole (Retail Operations Manager), who informed me that approval had been granted for the new secure compound at the Cwmbran store. The order has now been placed with the contractor and the work will be undertaken as soon as the fencing etc; is manufactured.

• Minimal litter.

• One shopping trolley.

• (August)  A tyre and child's bicycle. Update: Now removed.

• A litterbin installed on a nearby Lamp post being used.

• `Steel` Litterbin (installed 31st August 2006) in use.

• Several Mallard ducks and Moorhens.

• Duckweed prevalent.

---

• Some litter at Two Locks end of section.

• Tire and wheel discarded in canal.

• `Men at work` sign discarded in canal.

• Duckweed prevalent.

• Steel Litterbin in use.

• Litterbins in use.

• Duckweed prevalent.

• Several Mallards and Moorhens and a carp.

• Light litter.

• Plastic `crate` discarded in canal.

• Concrete `Litter bin` base discarded in canal.

• Black `Recycle` bin discarded in canal.

 Positive Elements

• I observed a Heron ( I took a photo as it took off, result blurred photograph)

• (August 31st 2006) - Launch and trial of newly acquired boat at Star Street, Old Cwmbran - initiated to aid litter/debris removal from previously `out of reach` places. Update: An `eco-friendly` electric, outboard motor, suggested to aid manoeuvrability of the boat. Costing/budget concerns need to be considered.

• People walking, fishing, cycling ..... enjoying our industrial heritage and recreational asset.

• All Litterbins in use.

• Continual evidence of dog owners being responsible by `poop scooping` and depositing the bagged faeces in the litterbins.

• Several Dragonflies throughout sections.

• I observed a grey squirrel.

Torfaen County Borough Council have recently appointed a Community Countryside Warden, Mr. Hugh Woodford, who will be responsible for developing and co-ordinating community environmental projects in partnership with community groups as a way of promoting the canal for informal recreation, and educating local people about its history and biodiversity.

Tuesday 29th August, I met Hugh, to discuss our mutual interest .... I have subsequently joined his `canal volunteers` initiative.

Sunday 24th September - 10a.m, Hugh, myself and ten `fellow` volunteers met at the 5 Locks Moorings - Pontnewydd. After a `Group Hug` (only joking ) ..... to read more click  here