January 16th 2005
It was a chilly and damp morning as I set off, immediately I became aware of the multitude sounds of nature ... the lapping of water, the wind whistling through the branches of the trees, and the individual `songs` of a thrush, blackbird, robin and crow that make the `Dawn Chorus` so special, .... even though it was 10 a.m.
CwmbranTunnel to Five Locks Road
My observations :-
Steps leading down to the Tunnel need clearing of vegetation. (See Photo)
5 Mallard Ducks.
4 Moorhens.
1 Bench.
1 Litter Bin (being used)
Litter and vegetation at `Debris trap` at end of section. (See Photo)
Five Locks Moorings
No Litter Bins.
Litter everywhere. (See Photo)
Steps that lead down to the Mooring Area have a wooden front edge strip which were very slippery due to the wet conditions that morning.
Overall Poor.
Five Locks Road to Mount Pleasant Road
My observations :-
Start of section - Litter in Lock
Several, sawn tree trunk sections in canal. (See Photo)
1 Tyre.
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).
Heavy branch from decaying or `wind damaged` tree blocking pathway adjacent footbridge. (See Photo)
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)
Five Members of the Baugh Family `take in the scenery` on Route 46 Cycle Path. (See Photo)
Litter caught in `Debris Trap` (end of section).
Overall Poor.
Mount Pleasant Road to Maendy Way
My observations :-
1 Moorhen
2 Mallard Ducks.
1 Litter Bin. (being used)
Rubbish in the Lock.
Litter and fallen branch in the water.
Lengths of wood in the water. (See Photo)
Large area of green Algae at end of section.
2 Supermarket Trolleys, one at the Debris Trap (end of section). (See Photo)
Overall Poor.
Maendy Way to Greenforge Way
My observations :-
No Litter Bins throughout section.
2 Tyres in the canal at start of section.
2 Moorhens.
2 Mallard Ducks.
Litter, cans and bottles.
Shopping Trolleys, a plastic box, a fire extinguisher etc; in the Lock. (See Photo)
Cwmbran Retail Park
Numerous discarded Shopping Trolleys (start of Retail Park). (See Photo)
Litter, cans and bottles evident throughout the section. (See Photo)
2 green plastic boxes from the PETS AT HOME store under bridge which leads into the Retail Park. (See Photo)
6 green plastic boxes from the PETS AT HOME store at the `Debris Trap` (end of section). (See Photo)
2 Low loading trolleys in the canal.
Overall Very Poor
* I have written to the Managers of `B & Q Plc` and `Pets at Home Ltd` and await their replies.
( 20th January, 2005 )
Star Street to Bellevue Road
My observations :-
Section to Broadweir bridge - Litter, cans and bottles.
Large area of green Algae.
3 Moorhens. (See Photo)
5 Mallards.
No Litter Bins.
Two swans. (See Photo)
Section from Broadweir bridge to Bellevue Road - Very clean.
Henllys Way to Two Locks Road
My observations :-
Start of section - Plastic bollard in the water adjacent road bridge.
Start of section - Large area of red coloured algae. (See Photo)
Stone Steps of gradient `Lock` damaged. (See Photo)
1 Litter Bin (being used).
Overall litter free.
Two Locks Road to Hollybush Way
My observations :-
Start of section - Large area of red coloured algae.
From pedestrian bridge to End of section - Predominately covered by green Algae.
Approximately 30 Mallard Ducks. (See Photo)
4 Moorhens
2 Benches.
2 Litter Bins.
Sign depicting `Hanson Brickworks` defaced. (See Photo)
Overall quite clean.
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.
Summing Up
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`.
.. If you have any views on this matter please email me ..
..click here to read about the `GREEN TEAM ` of 1993..
click here for info on the Monmouthshire canal