March 27th 2005

Sunday 9.00 a.m .... This morning 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 were cold and overcast.

.. CwmbranTunnel to Five Locks Road ..

                

My observations :-

.. 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.

.. Anglers are also attracted to the area .. 

My observations :-

Trudy Lapping writes;

As a homeowner on the Five Locks Close estate, we regularly use the canal path for walking our dog ( and always pick up her mess) and as a family we ride our bikes. We have to pass the Mooring's area to use the canal, and the litter problem around the paths` and within the fenced shrubbery area was disgraceful. 

So between myself, my daughter, my Mother, my sister and her children, we decided to collect the litter ourselves, as the Council had not cleaned the site in months.

 

As an afterthought I  decided to ask for donations from my neighbours for Comic Relief to clean up the litter, we raised �161:30.

 

We had several comments from locals " Your wasting your time, there is no bin in the area so it will get like it again"  ...    " It`s the council's job, but they never clean it up"
and " Well Done" from two of the neighbours Jane and Helen, who actually came and helped.

 

We collected 13 black bags of litter, the collection was difficult due to the fenced area being full of brambles, many scratches and cut's were had.

 

Overall we enjoyed the experience and felt we had achieved a good result, however for the cleanup to stay effective the council needs to put litter bins in the area, and a regular collection service needs putting in place.

 

Final thanks to my husband  for taking the litter to the refuse tip.

    My observations cont.d :-

.. Five Locks Road to Mount Pleasant Road ..

My observations :-

 .. Mount Pleasant Road to Maendy Way ..

My observations :-

 .. Maendy Way to Greenforge Way ..

My observations :-

 .. Lockgate Retail Park ..

On the 20th January, 2005, I wrote to the Cwmbran branch, Store Manager of `B & Q Plc`  noting my observations and expressing my concerns.

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:-

Update

.. Star Street to Bellevue Road ..

My observations :-

Example of a `Responsible  Couple` - Liz and and her daughter's seven and a half month old Labrador `Chewy` enjoying a morning amble .. Liz told me Chewy is always on a lead when they walk the canal and has a plastic bag handy for any `Doggy Mishaps` ... Well done Liz !

.. Henllys Way to Two Locks Road ..

My observations :-

.. Two Locks Road to Hollybush Way ..

My observations :-

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.

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.

 

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