Black Country's Bradley Arm Canal could be bought back to life in £7.5 million project

The Bradley Arm Canal, which runs through Wolverhampton, Walsall and Sandwell, could once again carry boats if plans are given approval.

The proposals moved a step forward when they were shown to residents at a meeting held by project organisers – who say the feedback has been 'around 60 to 70 per cent' in favour.

Project organisers said the canal would provide numerous benefits to the community – such as health, wellbeing, heritage and education. But some residents protested against the plans, claiming the canal would increase anti-social behaviour and rodent populations around nearby homes.

The former canal line, closed in 1954, stretches around 1.5 miles from Bradley Lane in Bilston to Bilston Road in Tipton.

Cash to deliver the project would by funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund. Organisers from the Inland Waterways Association would have to apply for the funds.

The Wednesbury Oak Loop Canal would join up with the Walsall Canal if the stretch were to be revived.

Project organisers say the plans are only proposals at the moment. Three meetings have been held with residents since March to gauge the reaction of communities living nearby. The latest one was held at Tipton Sports Academy Social Club on Wednesday where heated exchanges between residents took place.

One woman from Andrew Road in Tipton, who was against the proposals but wished not to be named, said: "I am against the proposals because the particular row of houses where we live would be literally 10 feet from the canal.

"I think anti-social-behaviour would also be made worse."

A man who lived on the same road, but also wished to remain anonymous, said: "We will get more rats as a result. The canal boats are also noisy and produce smoke."

Residents at the meeting also raised concerns that the canal would de-value there houses. But project organisers said home values would actually go up.

But there was plenty of support. Derek Nicholls, aged 75 from Tipton, who was in favour of the project, said: "I am for the proposals all the way. If you look at the wider picture, the development will be good for the area.

"The issue at the moment is the canal is like a rubbish dump. The whole system proposes to clean that up." Doug Evans, aged 68 from Coseley, who was also in favour, said: "I can remember what the canal was like all those years ago, it was absolutely beautiful. I have lived on the canals for 40 years and remember when it was in ruins too. I am for the proposals."

Stuart Sherrat, 68, from Brownhills, added: "I think the canal will help enhance the nearby properties and area." The canal was largely filled after closing 65 years ago and its nine locks were removed. The waterway dates back to the Victorian era and it originally formed part of the Birmingham Canal Navigations Old Main Line. Thomas Telford carried out improvements to the system in the 1830s which bypassed the Bradley Arm Canal.

A report on the project said bringing back the Bradley Arm Canal would create a new direct route for boats travelling across the Black Country. Dave Pearson, deputy chairman of the Birmingham, Black Country and Worcestershire branch, said: "The general feedback seems to be that 60 to 70 per cent of people are in favour. Five or six people seem dead against it.

"If the project went ahead, it would have to be run by a trust so we would have to set one up. We would need help off volunteers with accountancy or civil engineering.

"The canal will enhance the surrounding area greatly. Boaters will be able to use it, a habitat for wildlife will be provided. It would also reduce the potential risk of flooding. Nothing has been set in motion yet, the idea of the discussions is to see if local people are interested."

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