Michael Fabricant and Eric Wood with the new board
Michael Fabricant and Eric Wood with the new board

Walkers have been learning all about the proposed route of the Lichfield Canal at an event in the city.

Hundreds of people from across the country visited the city to see the restoration works being carried out by Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust.

Canal enthusiast and patron of the Trust Michael Fabricant led the four mile walk which highlighted the work which had been undertaken since the last walk in 2007.

He unveiled an interpretation board at Borrowcops Canal Park which explains how locks work. This board is unique in that it also has an explanation in Braille for the many blind people who enjoy the walk along the restored towpath in Tamworth Road.

Michael said:

“Walking the route makes you even more frustrated about not seeing the canal completed. It goes through the most beautiful countryside and attractive parts of Lichfield.  This would be a major boon to the economy of Lichfield and create those tourist numbers that we so vitally need.”

Also at Tamworth Road was the recently created drop shaft to take water from the by wash around the lock.

Despite the threat to the restoration from the High Speed 2 railway route, the Trust is confident that Phase 1 will be completed by 2015 and bring narrow boats back into Lichfield. It is also planning o have a part of the canal in water before the end of this year.

Founder of Lichfield Live and editor of the site.