The Magazine of the Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust Issue 61 Autumn 2009 Visitors to Huddlesford Gathering enjoy the late summer weather, 19-Sept-09. 1 TEL:01543 414808 MOBILE:07860 729522 FAX:01543 414770 www.streethaywharf.co.uk 7-DAY CALL OUT SERVICE GEN SETS FITTED DIESEL AND SOLID FUEL STOVES FITTED BOTTOM BLACKING REPAINTING AND SIGNWRITING NEW BOATS FULL & PART FIT-OUT SUPPLIED ALL MECHANICAL WORK FULL CHANDLERY STRETCHING AND REBOTTOMING CORGI REG. CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE ALL STEEL WORK AND TANKS Support the boat yard on the “Lichfield Ring” Boat Transport, England, Europe lCranage Arranged Site Surveys l Complete Service for DIY l Repairs Boat Hire lBoat Fitting lDiesel Pump Out l Mooring l Boat Sales l Laundry Trent & Mersey Canal V.A.T No. 203321527 2 CHAIRMAN’S COLUMN I am often reminded that the Trust was founded to “facilitate” the restoration of our two canals and not to restore every inch, or centimetre, ourselves. It is a reminder akin to the warning which returning victorious Roman generals had to hear, namely that they were still only human. When we started this great project over two decades ago it was very difficult to get those in authority to listen. It was often harder to persuade a sceptical public that it was a worthwhile and viable scheme, especially for a group of volunteers with little or no money. Thus we embarked on a gruelling “hearts and minds” exercise which was always frustrating and often fruitless. Yet, little by little, we made some headway and the sceptical and indulgent smiles gave way to polite attention and even encouragement. As we have so often said, it was the challenge posed by the proposed M6 Toll Road (as we now know it) which gave us the opportunity arising from the threat. We found the money, the aqueduct was built and the culverts at Churchbridge were enlarged. Subsequently, we have leased and purchased land, acquired property and rebuilt locks and pounds. These are major steps in themselves but represent miniscule progress towards the reconstruction and reopening of the canals. Behind the scenes of these public achievements have been the countless meetings and discussions entailed in building the case to justify the project – the facilitation of the restoration. Vital to this side of the process has been negotiating with local authorities whose support is the keystone of implementation. The Lichfield Canal falls entirely within the borders of Lichfield District Council and we have, in recent years, enjoyed a fruitful and positive relationship with councillors and officers. We are hopeful that the interests of the restoration will be safeguarded within the Local Development Framework which is moving slowly towards completion. The Hatherton lies within South Staffordshire, Cannock Chase and Walsall Councils, each one of which is drawing up its own LDF, requiring the Trust to be deeply involved in the planning process. Staffordshire County Council, especially Highways, must also be consulted and involved. All of this is time consuming and complicated. Add to this the requirements of British Waterways, the Environment Agency, Natural England and other statutory bodies and you might begin to see why “facilitation” often takes precedence over visible restoration. (continued over) 3 CHAIRMAN’S COLUMN It is against this back-drop that were pleased to hear that, on 14th September a notice of motion was submitted to Walsall Council regarding the work of the Lichfield and Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust on reinstatement. Officers are required to report to Cabinet in January 2010 “setting out ways in which the Council can provide meaningful support to the efforts of the Trust in bringing the restoration project to fruition.” This is exciting and significant news and Directors are looking forward to an imminent meeting to progress matters. Let us hope this can become a major building block in establishing a consortium of influential bodies which will help us carry the project forwards. Despite the “facilitation” moves discussed above we are also resolved to press forward with restoration wherever we can. The Atkins Study on the Lichfield and the supplementary Atkins study on the re-routed Hatherton cannot just be left to lie on some shelf until funds miraculously become available to start work. Directors have, accordingly, resolved to set targets for completion of the five phases of the Lichfield Feasibility Study and the whole of the re-routing of the Hatherton. We have set completion dates which fit within the terms of reference of the LDF process. It is vital that we show full commitment. On the Hatherton, our Land Officer, David Dixon with his predecessor Mike Smith, have drawn up a report showing how work would be implemented on the whole section from the Lord Hay Branch at Pelsall to the A5 crossing near the M6 Toll Plaza. It is clear that, as this section would be entirely “new build” across open country it is far more likely that we can get boats to Churchbridge this way than from the west where there are major obstacles including the M6. Simultaneously, we are discussing with Lichfield Cruising Club how we can relocate their moorings thus freeing up the channel from the junction at Huddlesford to Cappers Bridge. If we can purchase the land between the bridge and our existing and partially restored section by the lift bridge we can get navigation to Darnford Lane. This could place visiting boaters within walking distance of Lichfield and all its attractions. If we do not set ourselves such targets we stand little chance of significant progress within a reasonable time frame. Of course, finance is a major consideration but without a fully worked up scheme there will be no funding package. We will also need further “facilitation” with a suite of specialist studies to be commissioned on water supply, flood alleviation, habitats etc. There are many more “invisibles” to be worked on before the “visibles” appear. Our Vision Statement To restore the Lichfield Canal and the Hatherton Canal to re-open waterway links between Staffordshire and the West Midlands, for the benefit of the environment, amenity and prosperity of the people of the region and to enhance the nation’s inland waterway system. 4 CHAIRMAN’S COLUMN Truly, this is an exciting and challenging moment in our history. I have mentioned several of the challenges but the greatest is the hardest to address. We have over 1500 members and we are grateful for your support and the income which the subscriptions bring. Like all voluntary organisations only a very small number of members are actively involved and I hope I am not joining the long list of whingers who write in all such journals as this when I say how much we need more of you to come forward and help. We have at least a further 20 years to go before we can hope to finish and some of us cannot reasonably expect to remain activists for all that time. Brian Kingshott IWA talk on Chesterfield Canal The IWA Lichfield Branch meeting in November will be an illustrated talk on “Progress with the Restoration of the Chesterfield Canal”. The speaker is Dr Geraint Coles, the Chesterfield Canal Partnership Project Officer. The progress made by the Chesterfield Canal Trust under his direction in the last few years is most impressive, and he also has a wider brief to assist other waterway restoration projects with advice. Our public meetings are open to non-IWA members and are without charge, although we are pleased to accept donations towards expenses and for refreshments. The date is Wednesday 18th November, with entry from 7.30 for a 7.45 pm start. The venue is College Hall, The Close, Lichfield, WS13 7LD, which is on the south side of the Cathedral. Parking is at Bird Street car park, adjacent to Minster Pool, although drop off and collection is permitted in The Close. This information can also be found on the IWA website at www.waterways.org.uk/InMyArea/WestMidlandsRegion/Lichfield Phil Sharpe (Chairman, IWA Lichfield Branch) 1998 DATA PROTECTION ACT The Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust Ltd will hold your details for marketing purposes in accordance with the 1998 Data Protection Act. If you do not wish to receive updates from the Trust or any third party with whom we co-operate then please advise the Trust through Director Bob Williams on 01543 671427. 5 Canal Transport Services Boat builders at Norton Canes since 1964 Traditional narrow boats and tugs built to your specification, from One of the oldest & most respected boat builders in the business. We have our own fully heated paint shop, dry dock and grit Blasting facility as well as all the usual boat yard trades at your Disposal. Call Matthew Cooper on 01543 374370 6 (advertisment) Michael Fabricant MP Member of Parliament for the Constituency of Lichfield. if you live in the Lichfield Parliamentary constituency, and you require assistance and think your MP can help, you can either write to Michael Fabricant at the House of Commons, Westminster, London SW1A 0AA; or you can email him by using the webform at www.michael.fabricant.mp.co.uk/contact.html or telephone his office at 01543 419650 where you can also make an appointment to see him at one of his regular surgeries. (advertisment) 7 Donations to the Trust We gratefully acknowledge the following donations for amounts over £20 from 1st July to 30th September 2009. Name ( in order of receipt ) Trust & Suchet Restoration Marketing Appeal & Land Funds Chartered Institute of Builders (talk) 50.00 Mr H J Y Pringle (with sub.) 105.00 Mrs Moreton (in memory of the late Mr J.