.. Canal Watch Update February 2006 ..
February 2006
Because of my concerns, I was invited by Mr.S.Davies (Land and Drainage Officer -Torfaen County Borough Council) to accompany him on an inspection of the canal which meanders through Cwmbran; we met at the Five Locks Moorings (Pontnewydd) at 3.p.m ... the weather conditions were very cold with light rain.
Our observations:-
Five Locks Moorings
The Five Locks Moorings had recently been litter picked (litter was evident behind the perimeter fence in January and I had brought it to the Council's attention).
The two litterbins at the site (installed last March) were in place and being used.
Two further litterbins on the opposite side of the Moorings (also installed last March) have been vandalised ,0ne burnt out and the other complete with concrete base discarded in the canal, (the Council have now retrieved the base and frame and removed it from the site).
A couple of fire extinguishers have also been retrieved.
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.
A `venetian blind` on the far bank, opposite the Recreational Ground, which has been there for several months, will now be retrieved and removed.
Pontnewydd Cascades to Maendy Way
A suitcase, complete with clothes, discarded in the canal.
A shopping trolley in the canal.
Maendy Way to Cwmbran Retail Park
A compound at the rear of the `Pets at Home` store, has been adapted to securely store the wooden Pallets and `tote` boxes awaiting collection ... this will hopefully eliminate the items ending up in the canal.
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`).
Star Street to Henllys Way
Several trolleys and heavily littered.
A newly installed litterbin installed on a nearby Lamp post.
Two recently installed bollards discarded in the canal.
Henllys Way to Two Locks
One Litterbin's `outer case` discarded in the canal.
Two Locks to Ty Coch
Overall good, although brick work needs replacing at the `cascade`.
Positive Elements
Continual evidence of dog owners being responsible by `poop scooping` and depositing the bagged faeces in the litterbins.
A new style Litterbin, made of Steel will be installed as a `trial` on the tow path at Pontnewydd.
We have agreed to conduct further monthly inspections.
Negative Elements
Vandalism of Litterbins along the towpath.
Litter.
* We observed several Mallards, Moorhens and even a shoal of Gold Fish along the way .
* Duckweed was minimal.
*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 ..... in the cold and rain ..... ah well, No pain, No gain .... so they say.
*There will be a Canal Awareness Day on Sunday 26th March 2006, which will include boat trips and stalls, adjacent to the `Pets at Home ` store at the Cwmbran Retail Park ...... Please come along and show your support.
I'll be there .