Lichfield Branch

This will undoubtedly be a big improvement on the formerly muddy path so perhaps we can arrange one of our Autumn walks to take advantage of the newly refurbished towpath.

Phil Sharpe

Rugeley Cyclepath Signage

The Trent & Mersey Canal towpath through Rugeley has been much improved of late, but earlier this year we were concerned to see that recently erected signage at Leathermill Lane and by the Railway bridges was directing cyclists along the very narrow section of towpath at the visitor moorings near Tesco. Earlier information from the District Council had been that the parallel Love Lane would become the signed cycle path.

After contacting the Council and CRT a site meeting was arranged in February by CRT’s Enterprise Manager with the local CRT team and the County Council. This was very productive and agreed some changes to the signage that would have the desired effect of advising cyclists of the preferred route off the towpath. CRT undertook to produce and install the new signs and both Councils agreed to some improvements to Love Lane.

Although it has taken a few months, new signs are now in place saying: “Cyclists please consider alternate route to avoid narrow towpath”. We hope that this will help reduce any conflicts between moorers, walkers and cyclists on this popular but very narrow section of towpath, and are grateful to CRT for their understanding and actions.

Phil Sharpe

Planning

This report summarises the more significant of about 35 planning matters dealt with between early April and mid-July 2023. Further details are available on request. On the Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal the use of fields near Milford