August 28th 2005
Sunday 9.00a.m .... I set off to walk from the Cwmbran Tunnel (Cadw Grade II listed) to Ty-Coch (Hollybush Way). The towpath is also a cycle-way ( Route 46 )
.. Weather conditions:- Sunny - Dry - slight breeze ..
.. CwmbranTunnel to Five Locks Road ..
My observations :-
Steps down to Tunnel, untidy due to weeds.( Possible safety hazard ?)
Some Litter throughout section- plastic bottles, beer cans, plastic bags.
9 Mallard Ducks.
3 Moorhens.
2 Litterbins being used - One litterbin which was only installed two months ago- Vandalised !! (Outer casing deposited in the canal).
Edging slabs dislodged and pushed into the canal - Sheer Vandalism !!
.. Click on photographs to enlarge ..
.. Five Locks Moorings ..
The Moorings were created to allow visiting `pleasure boats` to tie up safely and hopefully take pleasure from their visit to the farthest navigable point (South) on the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal.
My observations :-
Brambles and Hawthorn protruding through perimeter fence, (which in my opinion could cause personal injury, damage to clothing etc.)
Weeds invading `steps` to Moorings. (See Photo)
Litter evident.
Dragonfly.
One litterbin being used - another only installed two months ago - Vandalised !! (Outer casing removed and deposited in the canal).
Edging slabs dislodged and pushed into the canal - Sheer Vandalism !!
.. Click on photograph to enlarge ..
.. Five Locks Road to Mount Pleasant Road ..
My observations :-
Broken branch in front of canal culvert.( As reported last month)
4 Litter Bins (all being used). Two bins full. One of which was overflowing!! -Another showing damage by fire -Sheer Vandalism!!
One Supermarket Trolley near lock.
Adjacent footbridge into Park - Cans, bottles and litter in the canal.
Some Dog faeces on grass verge.
8 Mallard Ducks.
4 Moorhen nesting.
Brambles require cutting back due to encroachment on to steps of pathway, leading down to recreational field. (Safety issue)
Damaged section of canal wall due to tree root infiltration. (See Photo)
Adjacent Park up to footbridge, large areas covered by green Algae and abundance of Litter. (See Photo)
Ponds and Cascades - 2 Litter Bins - One of which has now had the outer casing removed and deposited into the canal !! Sheer Vandalism !!
.. Click on small photographs to enlarge ..
.. Mount Pleasant Road to Maendy Way ..
My observations :-
Shoal of Goldfish.
Dragonfly.
2 Litter Bins. ( being used ) .
1 Litter Bin ( Vandalised, Burnt out ), as noted audit of May 29th.
Broken Tree branch in section.
Litter in the Lock
Several areas algae prevalent.
2 Moorhens and 1chick.
Littered.
.. Maendy Way to Greenforge Way ..
My observations :-
No Litter Bins throughout section.
Littered adjacent `Lower Bridge End` Pub.
One discarded B&Q Trolley.
11 Moorhens and 4 chicks.
Buddleia (Butterfly) Bushes still in full flower.
Overall Quite Good.
.. Lockgate Retail Park ..
.. Any visitor to the retail park who looked over the wall from the car park would be left with a very negative `First impression` ..
Asda Supermarket Trolley at start of section.
No Litter Bins.
1 Moorhen
B&Q Trolley.
A shopping trolly.
2 `Pets at Home` storage boxes.
Several Shopping Trolleys, 3 identified as B&Q`- Litter, cans and bottles- Publicity balloons from `HARVEYS`, an advertisement plaque from `BRANTANO`. (See Photo) Reported at last Audit - UPDATE -Now removed.
Overall Very Poor !
.. Star Street to Bellevue Road ..
My observations :-
3 Supermarket Trolleys. (See Photo)
Green Algae and some litter before Broadweir bridge.
5 Moorhens including chicks.
27 Mallards.
No Litter Bins.
Green Algae and some litter from Broadweir bridge to Bellevue Road.
Dragonfly.
.. Henllys Way to Two Locks Road ..
My observations :-
One Litter bin -being used.
Green Algae prevalent throughout section.
Overall Excellent.
.. Two Locks Road to Hollybush Way ..
My observations :-
Stone Steps of gradient `Lock` damaged. (See Photo) As reported in the January 16th 2005 Audit.
Large areas covered in green Algae.
60 Mallard ducks.
8 Moorhens including large chicks.
2 Benches.
3 Litter Bins - 1 now vandalised and only the frame remaining !.
Sign depicting `Hanson Brickworks` defaced. (See Photo) Reported to T.B.Council, Graffiti removed. (I suggest moving it to a more conspicuous position)
Overall Very Good.
Summing Up
On the positive side I have witnessed some necessary, weed and debris clearing, carried out by a conscientious and environmentally friendly, Excavator operator, contracted by Torfaen County Borough Council.
Sadly this month I have also recorded several acts of sheer vandalism, I cannot understand the mentality of any individual or group who find it necessary to direct their energy in a `negative manner` ... the outcome, is that we and our environment suffer ....Sadly, those involved are letting themselves down and in doing so are missing out on their inherent potential, to become positive and worthwhile members of society.
I also believe dog owners should have their dogs on leads, to safeguard any potential `Mishaps` with cyclists, other dogs, etc; and be prepared to `clean up their Doggy Mess` ". ( I have witnessed some positive evidence of this)
I am so enthused by Anne's commitment to correct `behavioural management` to her dog ownership .... hopefully she will inspire others .
.. Anne and her `faithful friend` Darcy - a cavalier King Charles, spaniel ..
I met Ann from Cwmbran at the start of `July 31st Canal Watch` her dog Darcy had fouled on the grass verge and immediately she reached for her `Pooper Scooper` and carrier bag to remove the faeces. Although having a disability, Ann believes that all dog owners who exercise their `faithful friends` should be responsible and carry the `means` to remove any `doggy mishaps`. The bagged faeces can be deposited in the litter bins situated at various points along the tow path.
Ann expressed a personal concern, that she has experienced difficulty in manoeuvring around horse droppings that sometimes litter the towpath
.. Something to consider ?? Horse riders ..
"I also believe that we, in Cwmbran, are fortunate in having a watercourse that once played a major part in our industrial heritage, and with the correct management, social respect and environmental awareness, the canal can bring immense pleasure to us all as a leisure amenity - Boating, Fishing, Walking, Cycling etc." .
" However, it saddens me, that the actions of some selfish and ignorant individuals from our home town of Cwmbran go out of their way to spoil this `Enviable Asset` by littering the waterway/ towpath and also several willful acts of vandalism ".
If you have any views on this matter please email me
.. To visit The Monmouthshire Brecon and Abergavenny Canal Trust click here ..
Click here to read about the `GREEN TEAM ` of 1993
Click here for info. on the Monmouthshire canal
