Historic canal basin may be filled in

Controversial work filling in an historic Black Country canal basin may get the go-ahead.

Haulage firm Joseph Holloway Ltd was told to stop work at Valencia Wharf, Churchbridge, Oldbury, after piling rubble into it without permission.

The move sparked protests from canal enthusiasts who wanted to see the site, which dates back to 1769, preserved as a tourist attraction. But the firm's application for permission to continue the work has been recommended for approval when Sandwell Council's planning committee meets tomorrow.

Planners say that they are happy, subject to conditions, that the canal basin can be filled in with ecologically safe materials.

The company used to operate canal boats as well as lorry haulage at the wharf site.

The firm has been accused by canal enthusiasts of trying to erase canal heritage.

Bosses at Joseph Holloway Ltd applied to fill in the canal basin with crushed concrete, brick hardcore and stone, so that they can add an extra of 5,000 sq ft of lorry parking space at the company's premises.

The application states that filling in the basin will add much needed space for manoeuvring and parking lorries and trailers, making vehicle movements safer and more efficient.

There will be no increase in vehicle numbers as a result and the mouth of the basin will remain as an historical feature, according to the report.

The canal basin was once home to the Allen Boatyard and the Chance & Hunt chemical manufacturers.

There is now a campaign to turn it into a modern marina.

Geoff Peakman, of Birmingham Canal Navigations Society, said: "Any closure of canals is disappointing.

"We do of course realise that this is a private arm of the canal but we have been very upset by the pollution that was caused by years of industrial dumping.

"The area is a tourist attraction because it was once Allen's boatyard."