British Waterways-

Well it’s the start of another week! Those that know me and have followed my campaign to get the Essington and Wyrley canal at Wednesfield designated as a Wildlife Reserve will have seen the support slowly grow for this ideal.

There have been issues that have affected the campaign. In 2008 I was defeated in the Local Elections; I waited to see if the new Councillor would pick up and carry the campaign forward then.

Sadly this did not happen in either 2008 or 2009.

Councillor Rita Potter has pledged support for the move, and I thank her for that, we are going to work together on this, but the fact is that several years on the campaign is still just that- a campaign!

Other changes have also happened, like the austerity programme the Government has introduced.

This reduction in revenue for Local Authorities, will likely affect the public finances and these are resources that at some stage will have to be introduced, if we are to get the Wildlife Reserve status we wish to see in place.

British Waterways has also changed since 2008 as the Government altered their status- Their support is crucial to the delivery of a Reserve.

The good news is that I have been in touch with British Waterways and I am pleased to report that they say “In principle, British Waterways are supportive of the idea, providing such change in designation does not affect our statutory duties, or impact upon our maintenance regime for the navigation and surrounding landholdings.”

I am very pleased with this response it is very positive. Now we can move forward to build the alliance of supporters that will achieve our aim. A Wildlife Reserve will enhance the North East of the City . It will provide a safe habitat for flowers, insects birds and animals. It will make an already very pleasant walk that much more interesting.

It will also provide a rich education resource for schools.

My appeal now is for the community in Wednesfield to get behind this campaign. Finally it is good to note that Councillor Gareth Illmann- Walker of Willenhall North is keen to see the canal developed in this way on the Walsall side of the City boundary