As an enthusiastic supporter of our canals and waterways, I was delighted to be invited to speak at a recent event in the House of Commons, organised by the CRT. Locally, Pelsall has regularly hosted the Inland Waterways Festival of Water, in Brownhills the Lichfield & Hatherton Canal Restoration Trust organise the Canalside Festival – this year it will be on 17th and 18th August, – and there are local groups such as Aldridge Rotary and individuals who are part of volunteering projects and litterpicking.
Our canals are deeply rooted in our industrial heritage, they play a key part in many regeneration projects and a key part of the future providing opportunities for walking, cycling, wildlife corridors, simply enjoying being outdoors, and so much more.
The Canal & River Trust manages and cares for 2,000 miles of canals and navigable rivers along with more that 10,000 major infrastructure assets across England and Wales – including locally and across the Black Country and wider West Midlands. The CRT is an independent charity set up to provide stewardship for our canals, working with Government, many partners and stakeholders. #KeepCanalsAlive