June 29th 2005
Wednesday 2.30p.m .... This afternoon, shortly after finishing my morning shift at work, 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:- Intermittent drizzle at start, followed by Sunshine ..
.. CwmbranTunnel to Five Locks Road ..
My observations :-
Steps down to Tunnel, untidy due to weeds.( Possible safety hazard ?)
Some Litter at start of section.
2 Mallard Ducks.
1 Moorhen.
A shoal of Tench and Perch.
3 Litterbins - all being used.
Overall Very Good.
.. 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 :-
Anglers - Carp fishing.
Both Litterbins being used, although a little litter evident in places.
Grass recently cut.
Several Carp.
Weeds invading `steps` to Moorings. (See Photo)
Some brambles overhanging perimeter fence to footpath - require cutting back.
Damaged section of wire panel of perimeter fence. (See Photo)
Overall Good.
.. Five Locks Road to Mount Pleasant Road ..
My observations :-
Lengths of sawn Tree trunk (Adjacent Cross Keys Public House) in the water.
4 Litter Bins (all being used). Three of the four, full.
Adjacent footbridge into Park - Cans, bottles and litter in the canal.
Some Dog faeces on grass verge.
5 Mallard Ducks and 5 ducklings.
4 Moorhens, one nesting, several chicks.
Brambles require cutting back due to encroachment on to steps of pathway, leading down to recreational field.
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 - lots of litter.
Uprooted shrub in litterbin.
Overall very poor.
.. Mount Pleasant Road to Maendy Way ..
My observations :-
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
Discarded Fire extinguisher.
2 Mallard Ducks.
Several areas algae prevalent.
4 Moorhens and 2 chicks.
Littered.
Overall poor.
.. Maendy Way to Greenforge Way ..
My observations :-
No Litter Bins throughout section.
2 Moorhens and several chicks.
A beautiful Buddleia (Butterfly) Bush in full flower.
Shopping Trolleys, a fire extinguisher etc; in the Lock. (See Photo) , first reported January16th 2005. Still not removed.
Overall Quite Good.
.. Lockgate Retail Park ..
No Litter Bins.
Water Lillys.
Some litter at Debris Trap (End of section).
A discarded Shopping Trolley and Litter, cans and bottles, a Traffic Cone.
Overall Poor !
Canal Awareness Day 16th July 2005
Torfaen County Borough Council together with the Monmouthshire, Brecon and Abergavenny Canals Trust are hosting a `Canal Awareness Day` on this section of the canal.
.. Entry is Free and runs from 11a.m to 4.30p.m- Visitors will be able to enjoy ..
Boat trips
Stalls
Entertainment.
.. Cwmbran Historical Society will also host an exhibition stand ..
webmaster:- Please attend if possible to show your support for the much needed `Regeneration` of the canal.
.. Star Street to Bellevue Road ..
My observations :-
Green Algae and some litter just before Broadweir bridge.
2 Moorhens and their chicks.
4 Mallards.
No Litter Bins.
Green Algae and some litter from Broadweir bridge to Bellevue Road.
Overall Fair
.. Henllys Way to Two Locks Road ..
My observations :-
One Litter bin - being used.
22 Mallard Ducks on the footpath. (See Photo)
1 Moorhen.
Green Algae prevalent throughout section.
Some litter at Two Locks Road Section.
Overall Very Good.
.. Two Locks Road to Hollybush Way ..
.. Mrs.D.Jerrett`s Border Collie, `Sam`, cooling off in the water ..
My observations :-
Stone Steps of gradient `Lock` damaged. (See Photo) As reported in the January 16th 2005 Audit.
Large areas covered in green Algae.
12 Mallards and 15 duckling.
4 Moorhens with several chicks.
2 Benches.
2 Litter Bins being used.
Sign depicting `Hanson Brickworks` defaced. (See Photo) Reported to T.B.Council, Graffiti then removed. UPDATE: Now defaced again !!!
Overall Very Clean.
Summing Up
"After working a `gruelling Morning Shift` at TRW, although rather tired, it was good to get out and enjoy some nice weather and fresh air. Birds were singing, people were out walking, I had several conversations with anglers` saw loads of minnows, Tench, Perch, several Carp, Mallards and ducklings, Moorhens and chicks, and even several Dragonfly - two in particular were `Mating` in flight !!" .
"I 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 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`".
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
