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The Lapal Canal Project. Dr Peter Best. www.lapal.org. Birmingham’s first bypass ! - 1798. Dudley #1, Windmill End - - - - - Worcester & Birmingham, Selly Oak 11 miles. The Lapal Canal = derelict ‘half’ = 5.5. miles. Hawne Basin, Halesowen - - - - - W&B, Selly Oak.
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The Lapal Canal Project Dr Peter Best www.lapal.org
Birmingham’s first bypass ! - 1798 Dudley #1, Windmill End - - - - - Worcester & Birmingham, Selly Oak 11 miles
The Lapal Canal= derelict ‘half’ =5.5. miles Hawne Basin, Halesowen - - - - - W&B, Selly Oak
Restoration Strategy :to make ends meet • Halesowen or Western Approach Canal 1.4 miles or 2195 yards • The Lapal Tunnel 2.2 miles or 3795 yards • The Selly Oak Extension or Eastern Approach Canal 1.8 miles or 3146 yards
Lapal – West : The Leasowes Abbeyfields St Mary’s Abbey Lapal – East : Selly Oak Park Lodge Hill Weoley Castle Restoration Sequences:the parallel ‘thirds’ ParklandBacklandHeritage Tunnel Heritage BacklandParkland
Lapal Restoration Treasures Hawne Basin - Halesowen Gorsty Hill Tunnel – Lapal’s Little “sister” Selly Oak Park oldest remaining accommodation bridge in BCN Breeches Pool – Leasowes Valley
Restoration Benefits : The Lapal Greenway • Recreational amenity for walkers, joggers, pedal-cyclists and anglers including rehabilitation excursions from QEH complex • Corridor and haven for rural wildlife in urban settings • Rejuvenation of two heritage sites: Halesowen St Mary’s Abbey and Weoley Castle Ruins • Additional boating opportunities for canal tourism i.e. further cruising rings around the Midlands
Weoley Castle:a boat moat ? the castle moat at Kirby Muxloe, Leicestershire …. compatible water-levels could provide isolation of Ruins against vandalism while a modern swing-bridge then provides legitimate access
Local Benefits : Roses for Castles • Rejuvenation out of dereliction • Reduction in crime • Increase in property value • Improved social amenities • “security moat” for offside houses • Improved access for nearside homes • Pride in a local project
Working Parties :our pledge of vigilance Waterways Recovery Group (BITM) scrub-bash March ‘05 Birmingham University Student Volunteers, February ‘05 • Maintenance of corridor as a viable restoration • Involvement of local and national volunteers • Visible statement of intention and goodwill • Opportunities for informal communications
Lapal Tunnel:a future for the past ? • £10M to restore ! • Bi-directional working • Escape walkway • Statutory Services • Waterbus services • ? “Rotunda Unda” – UK Canal Museum ? Lapal Tunnel’s former ‘central’ air vent near rear of Visitor Centre
?? Any Questions ?? www . lapal . org