February 20th 2005

Sunday 9.30 a.m .... This morning I decided to `get on my bike` and cycle from the Cwmbran Tunnel (Cadw Grade II listed) to Ty-Coch (Hollybush Way). The towpath is also a cycle-way ( Route 46 ) .. Weather conditions were fine but breezy.

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.. CwmbranTunnel to Five Locks Road ..

My observations :-

• Steps leading down to the Tunnel need clearing of vegetation. (See Photo)

• Section of handrail `missing` from steps leading down to the Tunnel (See Photo)

• Bag containing dog` faeces` tied to fence.

• 10 Mallard Ducks.

• 2 Moorhens.

• 1 Bench.

• 1 Litter Bin (being used)

• Litter at end of section. 

Five Locks Moorings

• No Litter Bins.

• Litter everywhere. (See Photo)

• Overall  Poor.

.. Five Locks Road to Mount Pleasant Road ..

My observations :-

• Jan.16th - Several, sawn tree trunk sections in canal.  Now removed

• Lengths of wood in the water.

• 4 Litter Bins (all being used).

• Cans, bottles and litter in the canal

• Dog faeces everywhere on grass verge.

• Numerous Daffodils sprouting on the banks of the Locks  (Two thousand bulbs planted by the GREEN TEAM - October 1994).

• Jan 16th - Heavy branch from decaying or `wind damaged` tree blocking pathway adjacent footbridge. Now removed.

• Steps leading down to recreational field free from brambles etc. (See Photo)

• Damaged section of canal wall due to tree root infiltration. (See Photo)

• Large areas covered by green Algae.

• Ponds and Cascades - Environmental improvement  works funded through the operations Group of the Cwmbran Regeneration Partnership. Funded by Torfaen Borough Council and the Community Councils of Cwmbran, Croesyceiliog and Llanyrafon. (See Photos)

• Ponds and Cascades -Wooden door floating in top pond.

• Overall  fair.

 .. Mount Pleasant Road to Maendy Way ..

My observations :-

• 1 Moorhen

• 4 Mallard Ducks.

• 1 Litter Bin. (being used)

• Litter and fallen branch in the water.

• 2 Supermarket Trolleys, one at the  Debris Trap (end of section). Now removed

• Overall fair.

 .. Maendy Way to Greenforge Way ..

My observations :-

• No Litter Bins throughout section.

• 2 Tyres in the canal at start of section. Now removed.

• 2 Moorhens.

• 3 Mallard Ducks.

• Litter, cans and bottles.

• Shopping Trolleys, a fire extinguisher etc; in the Lock. (See Photo)

 .. Lockgate Retail Park ..

• Numerous discarded Shopping Trolleys and Litter, cans and bottles (See Photos)

• 2 green plastic boxes from the PETS AT HOME store under bridge which leads into the Retail Park. Now removed. (`Thank you` to the Management of `Pets at Home`)

• 6 green plastic boxes from the PETS AT HOME store at the `Debris Trap` (end of section). Now removed. (`Thank you` to the Management of `Pets at Home`)

• 2  Low loading trolleys in the canal.

• Overall Very Poor

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On the 20th January, 2005, I wrote to the Cwmbran branch, Store Managers of `B & Q Plc` and `Pets at Home Ltd`; noting my observations and expressing my concerns.

Update

I have telephoned and spoken to Mr. D. Key (B&Q -Store Manager) on two occasions since writing the letter, he understands the problem and told me he would:-

•  Contact a company to remove any B&Q trolleys from the canal.

• Would affix securing chains to the Trolley Compounds either side of the main doors.

I have telephoned and emailed  Ms. K. Toft (Pets at Home -Training Manager ) she expressed concern and subsequently contacted their Maintenance Contractors to remove their storage boxes from the canal.

On the 4th of February, 2005 I wrote to the Head of Countryside and Environment for Torfaen Borough Council, noting my observations and expressing my concerns.

Update

I have received correspondence from the relevant department which informs me that :-The canal is in the sole ownership of Torfaen County Borough Council and is maintained by the Operational Services Department for the Youth Leisure and Culture Department. During the winter months the canal is maintained on an ad hoc basis as and when problems are reported or observed. During the summer a team of two operatives run through the canal litter picking and removing debris every two weeks, with the towpath being cut every month.  

A recent survey took place on the 4th February, 2005 and none of the rubbish as shown in the photographs of 16th January, was evident at that time.

The Authority endeavours to keep the canal clear of litter and debris within the limited budgets allocated to this resource.

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.. Star Street to Bellevue Road ..

My observations :-

• Trolley in canal at start of section.

• Section from Broadweir bridge - Litter, cans and bottles.

• Large area of green Algae.

• 3 Moorhens.

• 5 Mallards.

• No Litter Bins.

• Two swans.

• Section from Broadweir bridge to Bellevue Road - Poor.

.. Henllys Way to Two Locks Road ..

My observations :-

• Some red  and green coloured Algae.

• Stone Steps of  gradient `Lock` damaged. (See Photo)

• 1 Litter Bin (being used).

• Overall litter free.

.. Two Locks Road to Hollybush Way ..

My observations :-

• Some red  and green coloured Algae.

• 13 Mallard Ducks. 

• 7 Moorhens

• 2 Benches.

• 2 Litter Bins.

• Sign depicting `Hanson Brickworks` defaced. (See Photo)

• Overall quite clean.