.. Canal Watch Update March 2006..
March 30th 2006
Following on from last month's joint CanalWatch/inspection `initiative`, between myself and Mr. Stewart Davies (Land and Drainage Officer -Torfaen County Borough Council) whereby we walk, discuss and inspect, the sections of the canal which meanders through Cwmbran; we met at the Five Locks Moorings (Pontnewydd) at 3.p.m ... the weather conditions were overcast with potential showers.
Our observations:-
Five Locks Moorings
The Five Locks Moorings had previously been litter picked, although some litter was evident behind the perimeter fence; Stewart believes a planned and managed `pruning` enhancement would give his `Team` better access.
The two litterbins at the site were being used.
Five Locks to Pontnewydd Cascades
At the `Holding Pond` a `dam` had been made, by placing panels of wood and a `wheely bin` in the overflow tunnel, thereby blocking the entrance. Update: Removed by Stewart's Team.
A `venetian blind` on the far bank, opposite the Recreational Ground, which has been there for several months, will now be retrieved and removed. Update: Removed by Stewart's Team.
Pontnewydd Cascades to Maendy Way
A suitcase, complete with clothes, discarded in the canal. Update: Removed by Stewart's Team.
A shopping trolley in the canal. Update: Removed by Stewart's Team.
Maendy Way to Cwmbran Retail Park
A compound at the rear of the `Pets at Home` store, has been adapted to store the wooden Pallets and `tote` boxes awaiting collection ... this will hopefully eliminate the items ending up in the canal. Update: Storage compound needs repairing and made more secure.
Several trolleys in the canal throughout the section. ( no B&Q trolleys though, they now have a policy whereby all their trolleys, which are of the non deposit variety; are `rounded up` at the end of each day and secured in the `Trolley compounds`). Update: Removed by Stewart's Team.
Star Street to Henllys Way
Several trolleys and heavily littered. Update: Removed by Stewart's Team.
A litterbin installed on a nearby Lamp post being used.
Two recently installed bollards discarded in the canal. Update: Removed by Stewart's Team.
Henllys Way to Two Locks
One Litterbin's `outer case` discarded in the canal. Removed by Stewart's Team.
Two Locks to Ty Coch
Overall good, although brick work needs replacing at the `cascade`. Update: I was informed that the brickwork would be rectified later this year.
... My photographic `Catch of the day `... A Heron at Two Locks ...
Positive Elements
On the whole I was pleased with the overall appearance and management of the canal.
Continual evidence of dog owners being responsible by `poop scooping` and depositing the bagged faeces in the litterbins. Update: Positive evidence again this month.
A new style Litterbin, made of Steel will be installed as a `trial` on the tow path at Pontnewydd. Update: Six `steel` Litterbins, on order and will be situated at various `hot spots` along the canal towpath.
We have agreed to conduct further monthly inspections. Update: Ongoing.
We observed several Mallards, Moorhens, Perch and a Heron.
Duckweed was minimal.
Negative Elements
Vandalism of Litterbins along the towpath. Update: One Litterbin thrown in the canal, adjacent to the recreational ground, Pontnewydd.
Several Litterbins were overflowing with litter and were in `dire` need of emptying.
Litter.
Several Supermarket Trolleys and a couple of children's bikes in the canal.
*After we completed the 3.96 mile inspection of the canal, we had to turn around and make our way back to the 5 Locks Moorings adding another 3.96 miles ..... the weather was overcast with occasional showers.... Oh yeah, my knees had a grumble!
*The Canal Awareness Day took place, on Sunday 26th March 2006, which included boat trips and stalls, adjacent to the `Pets at Home ` store at the Cwmbran Retail Park ...... Although experiencing the dreaded `Lurgi` I helped place guide rails, roof canopies etc; on both `trip boats` and was treated to a couple of `leisurely meanderings` along the canal section; I even had a chance to steer the electrically powered `environmentally friendly` craft ..... I felt like Captain Pugwash !!!
I was there too ....
