Most West Midlands canal networks reopen after major clean-up operation
Hundreds of trees were removed from the region's canals and rivers following recent bad weather
Last updated 11th Jan 2025
Most canal networks across the West Midlands are said to have reopened, following chaos caused by bad weather at the end of 2024.
Strong winds and heavy rain, during Storm Darragh, caused major disruptions across the entire region, bringing down hundreds of trees.
The clean-up operation's down to the charity Canal and River Trust.
They have removed 400 trees from our waterways, with the estimated cost being over £100,000.
Regional operations manager, Richard Preston, says its been a huge operation.
He said: "We've had 8 teams working up to the weeks to Christmas, and during Christmas too, with the support of contractors. We do have a few locations, more tricky locations, which are still closed unfortunately. They'll still take a bit of time to clear because of the nature of the operation - they're a bit more complex."
Richard explains how the recent bad weather and cold snap has added to the problem, with more trees falling into the waterways.
He said: "Some further trees have fallen down, maybe weakened by the original storm. Snow and ice does have an impact as well, so we're clearing further falls there. The weather continues to bring us further challenges, and is a lengthy process to clean up.
"We rely heavily on our colleagues, but also a vast army of volunteers, and they have been fundamental in the clean up over the last few weeks."
The charity has launched a campaign named the "Perfect Storm" to help raise funds aiding them with the clean-up operation and protect waters for the future.