Workers made redundant in the recession are helping clear up Walsall’s waterways as part of a community scheme aimed at helping them back into jobs.

The group have been busy painting lock gates and bridges as well as litter picking along the Birchills stretch of Walsall Canal.

They will be helping clear up the Daw End Canal in Rushall next week as part of the Steps to Work programme.

Peter Bott, 54, of Dangerfield Lane, Wednesbury, was made redundant from construction firm Howe more than two years ago and has been out of work ever since.

He said: “Obviously we would rather have permanent jobs somewhere, but this is a worthwhile community project and I use the towpaths for cycling myself.

“It’s important for unemployed people like us, who are desperate to find work to keep our skills alive and to show the community what we can do.”

Paul Cartright, British Waterways operative, said: “The team from Steps to Work have willingly wanted to help with the maintenance of the worst part of the Walsall canal.

“They have made an invaluable contribution.”

Nicky Matthews, Steps to Work project officer, said: “This scheme was set up to help these unemployed people gain confidence and gain experience, in working as part of a team.”

A string of manufacturing firms in Walsall have shut over the past few months including Ductile Wesson, Bull Lane, Moxley, which let its workers go last month.