Josh Newbury, MP for Cannock Chase, visited us this week for a tour of the completed canal section at Borrowcop Locks Canal Park and to see the latest progress at Tamworth Road Narrows and Gallows Reach.
Although his constituency covers the Hatherton Canal, Josh was keen to visit Lichfield to understand how restoration work on the Lichfield Canal is advancing and how both projects connect within the Trust’s wider vision.
Volunteers guided him through the finished Borrowcop Locks Canal Park section, now fully restored and thriving with wildlife – a major milestone demonstrating what sustained community effort can achieve.
The visit continued to Tamworth Road Narrows and Gallows Reach, where Josh viewed the active construction zone and heard how volunteers are steadily advancing. He spoke with team members about the challenges of heritage restoration, the importance of sustained funding, and the long‑term vision of reconnecting the canal network. He also saw the site of the future culvert under Cricket Lane and the completed liftbridge.
His visit highlighted the value of volunteer‑led infrastructure projects and the momentum building across the restoration. The Trust thanked Josh for his time, interest and encouragement as work continues along the line.
