December 31st Canal Watch

.. Canal Watch 2005 ..

December 31st 2005

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, in January of this year and for the following eleven months, I decided to add, Canal info and Canal Watch 2005 web pages to the website, with the intention of heightening awareness, in regards to:-

It's inherent natural beauty
It's wildlife
Environmental issues

I started each walk or cycle ride from the Cwmbran Tunnel (Cadw Grade II listed) to Ty-Coch (Hollybush Way). The towpath is also a cycle-way (Route 46 of The National Cycle Network)

In doing so I have also benefited by the exercise 3.9 miles x 12 months = 46.8 miles

Inherent Natural Beauty





  Wildlife







       Environmental issues

CONCERNS AND ACHIEVEMENTS OVER THE PRECEDING 12MONTHS ?

CONCERNS

Litter
Dog faeces
Store Trolleys
Storage Boxes and Pallets
Insufficient Litterbins
Plastic Litterbins
Litterbin security
Vandalism
Deliberate killing of the resident `Mute` Swan at Old Cwmbran.

ACHIEVEMENTS

Torfaen Borough Council - I have built up a positive relationship with Mr. Stuart Davies (Land Drainage Officer) T.B.Council and have a greater understanding to the Council's commitment, manning levels and budget constraints.
T.B.Councillor - I have also experienced a helpful and positive response to my concerns from T.B.Councillor Mr. Brian Mawby (Pontnewydd Ward).
5 Locks Moorings (Pontnewydd) - I instigated a site meeting at the 5 Locks Moorings to address the need for pruning management of the surrounding shrubs, litter clearance and the necessary provision of Litterbins. - Attendees:- Myself (Nigel Jones), Mrs. Trude Lapping (Local, concerned resident), Mr. Brian Mawby (T.B.Councillor-Pontnewydd Ward),Mr. Gwyn Coles (T.B.Councillor- Pontnewydd Ward), and Mr. Stuart Davies (Land Drainage Officer T.B.Council)- The positive outcome resulted in, shrubs pruned, the litter problem addressed and the siting of 4 litterbins (Two at the Moorings site and a further two on the towpath, opposite).
`B&Q` Store (Cwmbran Retail Park) - After several months of recording, publicising and writing/speaking with the store's Management regarding B&Q trolleys dumped in the canal and the urgent need to address this problem, by collecting the trolleys( which are all non deposit variety) and securing them, prior to the stores closure - B&Q have now positively addressed this concern.
`Pets at Home` Store (Cwmbran Retail Park) - After several 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 securing both their storage boxes and pallets awaiting collection.
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`.... a section of the Monmouthshire Canal, which meanders through Cwmbran, itself an integral part of the Monmouthshire, Brecon and Abergavenny Canal system.

I will persevere in my `belief` that there are inherent problems in purchasing and siting plastic Litterbins on the towpath of the canal and in doing so, justify the `additional cost` of purchasing and siting of Steel Litterbins.

*I have previously stated that, there is the initial cost to supply each Litterbin and a subsequent additional cost to replace any vandalised Litterbins, I would strongly suggest and recommend that any future Litterbins be made of Steel or Cast Iron; I appreciate that there would be a higher cost for each Litterbin, but as they would not be able to be removed from their `seating` and coupled with the added bonus that they would be `Fireproof`; I believe that the money would be well spent.

Back in 1993, I was the instigator of a locally run environmental project on the Canal in Pontnewydd; we called ourselves THE GREEN TEAM; because of the support the Group attained, several Litterbins were placed on the towpath between the Pontnewydd Cascades and The Cross Keys Pub. The litterbins were made of steel and although the inner linings were promptly removed and discarded in the canal by the negative element within our society; and in one or two instances, even fires were lit within the bins ... to date the Litterbins have survived the test of time.
HOW CAN YOU HELP ?

Regarding Litterbins -Involve your local Community and Borough Councillors .. As they say in Tesco`s "Every Little Helps".

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.

Update: A steel Litterbin has been recently sited on the canal towpath, adjacent to the recreational ground - Pontnewydd.

If you have any views on this matter please click here to email me

.. Click on any of the dates below to read previous Monthly `observations` ..

January 16th * February 20th * March 27th * April 30th * May 29th * June 29th

31st July * August 28th * September 26th * October 23rd * November 27th

.. 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