An artist's impression of the new canal tunnel

An appeal to raise money for a new tunnel under the cross city railway line has raised more than £200,000 in just two months.

An artist's impression of the new canal tunnel
An artist’s impression of the new canal tunnel

The Lichfield and Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust has to raise £1million by the start of 2019 so that work can be carried out at the same time as a road tunnel for the proposed extension to the Lichfield Southern Bypass.

David Suchet CBE with Lichfield and Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust chairman David Dixon and engineering director Peter Buck launching the Tunnel Vision appeal at the London Boat Show
David Suchet CBE with Lichfield and Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust chairman David Dixon and engineering director Peter Buck launching the Tunnel Vision appeal at the London Boat Show

The Tunnel Vision appeal was launched by actor David Suchet – who is also vice-president of the trust – in January.

Trust Chairman David Dixon said: “The tunnel is a vital part of the restoration as there is no alternative route.

“Also, before the canal is fully connected at this stage, the tunnel will serve as a safe off-road community link between two proposed new estates for 900 houses bordering the canal which can benefit from their land drainage.

“Leaving it to some future time would undoubtedly be far more expensive and be a missed opportunity.”

The Lichfield and Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust is restoring a seven mile stretch of the Lichfield Canal from Huddlesford to Ogley Junction in Brownhills.

Founder of Lichfield Live and editor of the site.