Slow progress has been made since February due to the length of time it’s taken to obtain planning permission and that has impacted on what we could do on this site. Planning approval is now through both for this site and the canal up to London Road Bridge. This is a significant stretch and the team has leapt into action.
Two of the Tamworth Road team were seconded to the Darnford Moors site in June, to support corporate volunteers from JLR to top dress the newly laid towpath with sand. Andy drove the dumper and I dug sand with the 5-tonne excavator. JLR worked so well over two days and the job was soon done, much to the delight of walkers and dogs being walked, as there were no longer sharp stones to hurt their feet and paws.
It was good to welcome them back and they started by continuing the wall along the towpath behind the cottage and up towards Cricket Lane. They were both widowers, as I am, and they needed something to give a purpose in life. Now they come three times a week and find it very therapeutic.
We are awaiting company to come and take away a large amount of earth, which will then give us space to resume the excavations.
We do need more help to get the job done. So if you or someone you know would like to volunteer, skilled or not, you will be most welcome. Fill in the application form on our volunteering section.
Brian Williams
Volunteer Liaison Officer
First published in Cut Both Ways August edition
