We’re celebrating a major boost to the restoration at Gallows Reach thanks to a generous donation of rebar steel from ROM (owned by 7-Steel UK Services), a specialist supplier of reinforcement solutions based in Lichfield.
The contribution includes 25 mesh sheets and 3.2 tonnes of cut and bent rebar, which is being used to reinforce a 120-metre stretch of canal wall at Gallows Reach, ensuring long-term durability and structural integrity.
The rebar is already being put to good use by the Waterway Recovery Group (WRG), whose volunteers are on site for a two-week canal camp, helping to construct a continuous reinforcement beam for the original canal wall.
ROM’s contribution not only offsets significant material costs but also reflects the support that we have from the local community and beyond in our mission to bring the Lichfield Canal back to navigable use. ROM’s generosity means we can redirect our limited resources towards other essential materials, such as cement and aggregates, helping to keep restoration work moving forward.
Paul Brettell, Volunteer Construction Manager, said:
“This donation from ROM is a huge help. As a volunteer-led charity with limited income, donated materials like this make a real difference. They allow us to save on costs and focus our resources on progressing the restoration work. We’re incredibly grateful to ROM for supporting our mission to bring the canal back to life.”
Patrick Whyte, TQM and Process Improvement Coordinator at ROM, said:
“We were approached by Paul Brettell regards opening an account with us, in view to buy material for the canal restoration. Upon sharing this request with management within ROM and 7-Steel UK Services, it was decided that we could supply the material free of charge.
“We’re proud to support LHCRT and the incredible work the volunteers are doing to restore the Lichfield Canal. As a Lichfield-based business of 60 years, we believe in giving back to the community and supporting projects that preserve local heritage and create lasting benefits for future generations. This is not the first time we have collaborated with the LHCRT as we also supplied free material in 2005 and would gladly work with them again in the future.”
