Why would someone do this? Canal locks targeted over and over again by vandals
Vandals have been ‘persistently’ targeting a Black Country canal lock – potentially causing thousands of pounds of damage.
The attackers are continuing to strike at the Ryders Green locks on the Walsall Canal between West Bromwich and Great Bridge.
Over the past three weeks – and most recently on Monday – 10 water conservation locks have been smashed and five frog safety catches broken.
As well as this, a lock gate collar was removed and numerous bolts have been removed from the gates.
It has resulted in significant amounts of flooding at the canal and making conditions dangerous for the community.
The Canal & River Trust charity, which operates and funds the flight of locks, has been forced to “reluctantly” lock the flight up from 4pm until 8am every night.
But last week, even the chains that have been used to do this were smashed off at the top lock.
Communications manager for the Canal & River Trust, Stephen Hardy, said it was now 'beyond a joke' – adding that the reason behind the vandalism was 'hard to understand'.
“The persistent vandalism is really frustrating and disheartening for all of the staff and volunteers who work so hard on the canal and enough is enough,” he said.
“It’s hard to understand why someone would treat their local area in this way and deny people living nearby the chance to enjoy their local canal in peace.
"Early indications are that the engineering works caused by the vandals alone could cost several thousand pounds and the Canal & River Trust, a charity, is being left to pick up the tab.
“That’s not to mention the time and resources we’ve put into responding to the flooding, reinstating the towpath and repairing lock mechanisms.
"As a charity these are resources which could be much better spent improving the canals for everybody and that’s a real shame.”
Most recently, the vandals have broken off the metal collars which hold the top of the lock gates in position.
Following this, the Canal & River Trust team had the gate repaired by the end of the day on Monday.
Mr Hardy added: “We’ll be increasing our presence on the canal and are also working with Sandwell Council and West Midlands Police as we need help and hopefully we’ll be seeing patrols on the towpath very soon.”
