Notice Archive /

Towpath between Stewart Aqueduct and Spon Lane, New Mainline

This is a live notice. Please check the Canal & River Trust website for the latest information. View on Canal & River Trust website.

Detail

TypeTowpath Closure
Start Date3/7/2022, 10:00:00 AM
End DateOngoing
Start LocationSpon Lane Bridge
Ends LocationAccess Point
Towpath ClosedYes

Description

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.

Updates

The leaseholder has had a structural survey carried out on the defective buildings and we're awaiting the results. Once we have received the results, we will decide whether the towpath can be re-opened.

In the meantime, the towpath remains closed for safety reasons. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation, and we encourage all visitors to utilise the alternative route.

8/28/2024

Unfortunately the towpath remains closed here. A survey is planned by the building owner and should be carried out soon, although we haven't been given a timeframe for this.

Reopening the towpath is dependant on the survey results. We'll update this notice as soon as we hear a further update from the building owner.

6/28/2024

The towpath remains closed here as we're still waiting for the third party to declare their wall is safe.

We'll provide a further update on or before Friday 14th June.

5/30/2024

Please be advised the towpath remains closed here as we're still waiting for the third party to declare their wall is safe, so we can notify the public when it reopens.

Thank you for your patience, and for continuing to use the alternative routes. We'll provide a further update on or before Friday 31st May.

5/16/2024

Please be advised the towpath remains closed here as we're still waiting for the third party to declare their wall is safe, so we can notify the public when it reopens.

Thank you for your patience, and for continuing to use the alternative routes. We'll provide a further update on or before Friday 17th May.

5/3/2024

Please be advised the towpath needs to remain closed here while there are ongoing discussions between the landowner and the Council regarding further repair works required.

Thank you for your patience, and for continuing to use the alternative routes. We'll provide a further update on or before Friday 3rd May.

4/5/2024

Repairs have been completed and are awaiting an independent surveyor to approve. Once verified, we will be able re-open the towpath. As soon as we receive this confirmation, we'll update the notice.

2/8/2024

We are currently waiting for a structural survey to be carried out to prove that the building is safe. We haven't been given a timeframe for this, but we have chased it with the building owners.

As soon as we receive a timeframe, we will update the notice.

12/1/2023

Third party contactors are still making good progress. An inspection of their work so far is required before we can provide a re-opening date.

We hope to have a re-opening date in the next few weeks.

11/8/2023

Contractors are making good progress, but are unable to provide a re-opening date at present. We will update the notice as soon as we receive this.

10/19/2023

Contractors have advised the current estimate for removing the scaffold is October 13th. We should hopefully be able to provide a re-opening date next week.

10/6/2023

Unfortunately due to unforeseeable circumstances in the repair work, this towpath closure is having to be extended again.

We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause. As soon we receive any further updates & timeframes from contractors, we will update the notice.

9/21/2023

Contractors have had issues securing the scaffold to the inside of the building.

They now estimate works will be complete by 18th September.

9/1/2023

There was delay in works starting but they are well underway. We are hoping works will be finished and the towpath re-opened on week commencing 11th September.

We will provide a further update as soon as we receive a confirmed date from contractors.

8/31/2023

We apologise for the lateness of this update.

Demolition works have begun on the factory wall and it should take around 4 weeks.

We will be able to provide an end date when works are nearing completion.

7/11/2023

A contractor has been appointed by the building owner to carry out repair works. We are hoping work will be underway by the end of June but we cannot give an end date at present.

We will aim to provide another update in a few weeks time.

5/22/2023

Please note that this section of towpath needs to remain closed for public safety, as there is a very real danger to anyone using the towpath here. It's important that no-one tries to bypass any barriers and signs on the towpath; if you're passing on the water, we recommend that you keep a safe distance from the towpath, and avoid mooring in this section.

Whilst we continue to work closely with the owners and local agencies to reduce the risks posed by the walls above the towpath, we'd appreciate your help in our efforts to keep the public safe. If you see any damage to the safety barriers, or any members of the public using this section of towpath, please let us know on 0303 040 4040.

Thank you for your patience, and for continuing to use the alternative routes whilst we find a long-term solution.

6/13/2022