April 30th 2005

Saturday 8.45 a.m .... This morning I decided 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 and warm ..

.. CwmbranTunnel to Five Locks Road ..

    ... The Long Tunnel ... 260 feet in length     

My observations :-

Update: Two extra agreed and sited along the towpath. (T.B.Council), both had litter in them ....I even noticed `Bagged Doggy Poo !` (Well done responsible Dog Owners) .

.. 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.

 The Monmouthshire Brecon and Abergavenny Trust  in partnership with the Goytre Boat Owners Association held a ` Boat Rally` at Five Locks today, to promote awareness to the plight of the boat owners who would like to see the canal restored to its former navigable `Glory`.

"C`mon Torfaen Borough Council .. You know you can do it!"

.. To view a selection of photographs click here ..

My observations :-

 

A  positive, amiable and congenial meeting took place where I and Trudy put forward our concerns regarding Shrub/pruning management and lack of Litterbins for the area, a positive outcome resulted in Two Litter bins being sited and the responsibility for the management of shrub pruning agreed. (See Photo)

.. Five Locks Road to Mount Pleasant Road ..

My observations :-

 .. Mount Pleasant Road to Maendy Way ..

My observations :-

 .. Maendy Way to Greenforge Way ..

My observations :-

 .. Lockgate Retail Park ..

Update: T.B. Council have removed almost all of the trolleys and some of the litter, although there were two B& Q trolleys there at the time of my walk. I have written and spoken to the Store Manager Mr. Derek Key; and have visited the store and conversed on two separate occasions with a further  two Managers regarding my Canal Watch 2005 project and the problem with their trolleys that have ended up in the canal. 

One of the inherent problems they have, in my view, is that only a percentage of their trolleys are coin operated - and therefore the trolleys which are not coin operated tend to be discarded after being emptied and not returned to the Trolley Park.

Secondly on many previous occasions the trolleys have not been collected by the staff and returned to the Trolley by the time the Store closes. One evening after the Store had closed, I counted 23 Trolleys discarded all over the car park.

I  suggested after collection of the Trolleys each day, they chain the entrance/exit of the Trolley Park. I have noticed they have done this and hopefully the problem will disappear.

I also suggested they chain their Low Loading trolleys to the wall at the side of their main entrance ... This has not been taken `on board` to date..... resulting in a Low Loading Trolley in the canal at the time of this Audit. (See Photo)

.. Star Street to Bellevue Road ..

For several years a pair of Swans have been nesting  here in Old Cwmbran and together with their yearly offspring, have given immeasurable pleasure to many residents and visitors to the area.

Sadly last month whilst helping to incubate  this years eggs, the male (Pen) Swan was  viciously stoned by one or more youths!!! Subsequently the Swan died, due to the injuries. The local community were outraged !! Posters were distributed around the village and a substantial cash reward was offered for information leading to arrest and conviction of the offenders.

The female partner carried on incubating the eggs, but the latest information I have is that she has been attacked, possibly by a dog and received punctures to her body. She has subsequently been removed from the canal and is now being cared for in captivity.

My observations :-

Example of a `Responsible  Couple` - Liz and and her daughter's seven and a half month old Labrador `Chewy` enjoying a morning amble .. Liz told me Chewy is always on a lead when they walk the canal and has a plastic bag handy for any `Doggy Mishaps` ... Well done Liz !

.. Henllys Way to Two Locks Road ..

My observations :-

.. Two Locks Road to Hollybush Way ..

... Mum a little shy  -  her Eleven babies doing well ! ...

My observations :-

Summing Up

 "I really enjoyed this months walk, the weather was lovely, the birds were singing, people were out walking, some with their children, a few on bicycles, people fishing" .

I 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`.

Site Visitor Comments: 

`Well done Nigel in logging your walk and showing your concern about our environment by actually doing something and encouraging others to help.  I'm  a 'senior' and a keen rambler, and we do see such beautiful countryside in our county sometimes marred by thoughtless folk. Lets all do our bit to keep Cwmbran beautiful!`
 Jane Dorsett.

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