We are aiming to connect the footpath over the M6 Toll aqueduct first, before the canal itself is completed, in order to provide a fully connecting extension to the Heritage Towpath Trail.
The processes of seeking planning permission and registering our land with Land Registry have brought up some issues. Midland Expressway Limited who operate the motorway will require a raising of the parapets to the Aqueduct (more significant costs) and there are some very small parcels of land which require to be transferred into Trust ownership.
Much as we want to make that link to Brownhills for the community benefit, our fundraising and bureaucracy negotiating priorities are currently under pressure on other sections of the canal.
See Lichfield Canal Aqueduct and Summerhill.