Revamp scheme on town canals

Tipton’s canals are set to be revamped under plans to make the network a conservation area.

The move follows a detailed study of the history and development of the area by borough archaeologist Graham Eyre-Morgan and experts from Birmingham University.

It has won support from Tipton Civic Society, Birmingham Canal Navigations and Inland Waterways.

Jo Gilbertstone of Inland Waterways said: “We’ve been involved in policing the waterways since 1946 and we are delighted that the council are making this positive step.”

Cabinet member Councillor Bob Badham said it was an important step because the canals are a much loved and integral part of the town’s landscape.

“We owe it to both past and future generations to protect them and their features, and to use them as a framework for the future, so they can be enhanced through positive planning policies and better urban design,” he said.

The scheme is set to be approved by councillors on the regeneration and transport committee next week.