Remove this eyesore now – calls for boat clean-up near Wolverhampton amid pollution fear

The privately owned narrowboat, left near Linthouse bridge, along the Wyrley and Essington canal, has prompted concern from residents in Wednesfield which have been raised with Councillor Phil Bateman.

Councillor Bateman has contacted the Canal and River Trust (CRT), encouraging them to remove the boat as soon as possible. But he is still awaiting a response, despite the boat being there for more than a month.

He said: "I have written to and emailed the CRT and I am still awaiting a response.

"I hope they take some swift action because public concern is growing, there is a fear of pollution and damage to wildlife that this boat could cause.

"There is a constant stream of residents asking how long it is going to be there, what can be done about the situation and what effect this could have on the canal.

"Their main concern seems to be the effects of any potential pollution. During a recent walk along the canal, I saw clear evidence of oil leaking out of the boat.

"A closer look showed oil film on the top of the water, which then creates a danger for wildlife in and around the canal."

Councillor Bateman added that the boat had become an eyesore for locals. He said: "The Wyrley and Essington canal is somewhere people go to enjoy a spot of beauty, but this really detracts from its image."

In a response to Councillor Bateman's letter, a spokesperson for the CRT said: "First and foremost it is always a priority of the waterways to ensure that all navigations are passable and free from obstruction, and we act upon this as quickly as possible. I can confirm both the waterway manager and the enforcement team are aware of the situation and efforts to unblock the navigation are ongoing.

"In respect of the boat owner, all information is data protected so I am fairly limited as to what I can state, but I can confirm we have made contact. You have our assurance that despite this being an unfortunate eyesore, we are trying to resolve the situation."

During the last month, representatives from the CRT have visited the site, however that was only to conduct a general cleansing of the canal with people who are enrolled on a community payback scheme.

On a potential removal date, Councillor Bateman said: "In this situation I really have to just wait for a response."