Clearing of cyanide now started

AT LONG LAST the clearing of the cyanide from the Walsall Canal has started.

With a great deal of silt being fetched out of the waterway.

Started this week

It was stated that this was started on the 2nd of April, but it was obviously only the preparation, as the actually dredging started this week.

Canal & River Trust tell that 'so far, we have spent around half a million pounds of charitable funds, covering costs such as staff time, dam installation, materials, contractors, and lab testing. This is a huge resource that has been diverted from other essential activity to keep the region’s canals open and safe'.

It also tells that it is grateful for the support of our partners and the generosity of the public, particularly those who contributed to the Crowdfunder, which raised £25,000.

August last year

It was on Tuesday 13th August last year that hazardous chemicals including cyanide were spilled into the waterway with people being warned that anyone who comes into contact with the contaminated water faces a ‘potential serious risk’ to their health, and pet owners have been warned that the risk also extends to dogs and other animals.

Since then the waterway has been closed to boating as there is a real risk of boats spreading the chemicals.

No intimation has been given of how long it will be until the navigation is reopened.