Air Ambulance Called for Canal side Crash Two Injured!

Local residents have contacted Phil Bateman today following a collision between two young men on motorcycles racing on the canal towpath in Wednesfield.

A resident contacted Phil saying"You may recall that I have repeatedly raised concerns about the dangers associated with motorcycles using the canal towpath between Devel's Elbow and Moathouse Bridges. Last year the local filling station was raided and the thieves got away on motorcycles along the towpath.

Of more concern, this afternoon, two young men have been seriously injured as a result of a motor cycle collision on the two path. One has compound fractures of the leg. Two ambulances and the Air Ambulance were required, six paramedics and two police officers. No doubt there will need to be significant medical treatment required .”

The resident also asked “At what point are the costs, physical and financial going to get to the point where measures will be taken in order to make the canal safe from motorcycles? Does somebody have to die!.”

Phil Bateman Secretary of Wednesfield North Labour Party said “ This incident underlines the problems that residents face when young inexperienced riders are able to access the canal towpath so easily.

There really should be barriers and other measures put in place to stop and restrict the use of motor vehicles on these paths.”

I have written to the British Waterways, and also the local police to see what they are prepared to do now to impose the law, and make these towpath walkways safe. They are so incredibly popular with walkers, people taking their dogs for a walk, and runners! "

Phil Bateman has been campaigning to get the Essington and Wyrley Canal designated a wildlife reserve for some time.