.. Canal Watch Update December 2006 ..

    Cwmbran is blessed with an enviable asset .... a section of the Monmouthshire Canal, an integral part of the Monmouthshire, Brecon and Abergavenny Canal system.

.. And with that in mind, from January 2005 to December 2006, I have, month on month, walked/cycled approximately 4 Miles from the Cwmbran Tunnel (Cadw Grade II listed) to Ty-Coch (Hollybush Way), via the canal towpath and made `public my observations` thereby heightening awareness, in regards to:-

  • It's inherent natural beauty

  • It's wildlife

  • Environmental issues

  • It's inherent natural beauty

 

  • It's wildlife

Kingfisher   A Moorhen on her nest   Heron

  Mallard `mum and her ducklings`

  • Environmental issues

CONCERNS AND POSITIVE ASPECTS OVER THE PRECEDING 24 MONTHS ?

   CONCERNS

Plastic Litterbin in Canal at Pontnewydd  B&Q Trolley

Defaced Sign Vandalised Litter Bin Canal Litter

  • Litter

  • Dog faeces

  • Store Trolleys

  • Storage Boxes and Pallets

  • Insufficient Litterbins

  • Plastic Litterbins

  • Vandalism

     POSITIVE ASPECTS

        

All photographs are copyright©cwmbran.info

  

  • Torfaen County Borough Council - I have experienced a continual `positive relationship` with Mr. Stuart Davies (Land Drainage Officer T.C.B.Council) and have a greater understanding to the Council's commitment, manning levels and budget constraints

  • Torfaen County Borough Council - have appointed a Community Countryside Warden, Mr. Hugh Woodford is 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.

  • A Canal Volunteer Group has been set up.

  • A steel bench has been installed opposite Cwmbran Retail Park.

  • Torfaen County Borough Council - have installed six steel Litterbins. Hopefully more to follow .

  • Torfaen County Borough Council - have acquired a small boat to aid access problems and to ease litter retrieval and vegetation removal.

  • `B&Q` Store (Cwmbran Retail Park) - B&Q have continued on a daily basis, to collect and securely store their trolleys.

  • `Pets at Home` Store (Cwmbran Retail Park) - After many months of recording, publicising, writing to Head Office and speaking with the store's Management regarding `Pets at Home` storage boxes/ wooden pallets dumped in the canal, the store  have now positively addressed this concern by constructing a purpose built and secure Storage Compound.

  • The Monmouthshire Brecon and Abergavenny Canal Trust -Through my endeavours, I have built up an amiable and positive liaison.

  • I have witnessed several responsible dog owners `clearing up` after their dog has `fouled`.

WHAT NEXT - OVER THE FORTHCOMING 12 MONTHS ? 

  • I will further endeavour to heighten awareness to our `enviable asset`
  • I will continue as a Canal Volunteer member and hopefully encourage others.

HOW CAN YOU HELP ? 

  • If you are a dog owner, be responsible and `clean up` when your dog `fouls`.

  • Be responsible and vigilant - report litter and acts of vandalism.

... Each day WE  have a Choice ...

... We can choose to work .. With the Environment ...

Or

... We can choose to work .. Against the Environment ...

... Let Our Choice Today ...

... be an Action for a Better Tomorrow ...

Our Future ... ... In Our Hands.

.. If You have a view or comment , click here to email me ..