We have been advised that the matter is currently being reviewed by our legal team, who are preparing the necessary correspondence to progress the case.

The towpath must therefore remain closed until it is confirmed that the adjacent third‑party wall is safe and the area can be reopened.

We appreciate your continued patience and will issue a further update as soon as new information becomes available.

Please be advised that the towpath remains closed, as the adjacent third-party wall remains unsafe and, as such, the area is not yet suitable for reopening.

We are actively exploring all available options to resolve the issue and ensure the area is made safe for public use as soon as possible. Please continue to use the diversion route in the meantime.

We appreciate your continued understanding and patience. Further updates will be provided as new information becomes available.

We are continuing to liaise with the Council to determine the most appropriate course of action. Discussions with the property owner are ongoing, and we are exploring all available avenues to ensure the issue is resolved and the area made safe. We thank you for your continued understanding and will provide further updates as soon as they become available.

This notice was originally posted on an old system which has now been upgraded, the original description and latest update have been transferred here. To view any historical updates related to this notice, please click here.

We've had to temporarily close the towpath beside the Old Chance Glassworks in Smethwick, as a recent survey carried out on the factory walls of this historic structure, which run immediately next to the towpath, highlighted it as in danger of collapse. We're in conversation with the owners of the building and Sandwell Council to ensure a thorough investigation and plan for repairs are carried out and will share any updates when we get them.

Thank you for bearing with us whilst this hazard is removed. In the meantime, there is a simple diversion along the Old Main Line. Please leave the New Main line canal at Stewarts Aqueduct and walk along the Old Main Line Canal to Spon Lane South. You can either leave the Canal at Spon Lane south and join the New Main Line or continue along the Old Main line canal to Smethwick Junction where you can re-join the New Main Line Canal.