Thugs dump car in canal (From Stourbridge News)

Thugs dump car in canal

4:36pm Monday 2nd October 2006 in Local By Martyn Smith

THUGS have caused thousands of pounds worth of damage to a canal after a vandalism spree in Wollaston.

British Waterways have been left with a clean-up bill for £10,000 after hooligans dumped a car in the canal, cut down trees on the towpath and tried to saw off a lock beam at a site close to Meadow Park Road.

The incident, on Thursday September 28, was reported to fire services at 8.48pm who mobilised an underwater search team to check no-one was trapped in the submerged Volvo.

Clare Bampton, from British Waterways, said: "It is a huge shame that a small number of people can spoil the community's enjoyment of the wonderful canal environment in Stourbridge."

Around £300,000 has been spent improving canals in Stourbridge but much of the work has been undone by vandals emptying lock chambers, causing flooding and harm to wildlife.In previous incidents, yobs have also pulled down hand carved signs, sprayed graffiti and ridden motorcycles on towpaths, damaging surfaces.

Problems have grown to such a level that a study carried out earlier this year showed the public's perception of the canal had worsened, despite the massive investment.

“Our teams are out on the lock flight every day checking that everything is running smoothly, but it can be an uphill battle."

Waterways supervisor Phil Hickman

British Waterways are calling on the public to report incidents and offering rewards for information leading to successful prosecutions.

Phil Hickman, waterway supervisor for Stourbridge, said: "We work extremely hard around Stourbridge to create a welcoming environment for visitors and no-one is more frustrated than us at the problems vandals are causing.

"Our teams are out on the lock flight every day checking that everything is running smoothly, but it can be an uphill battle.

"The involvement of the local community is vital in tackling the issues that we face in this area."

Anyone with information can contact West Midlands Police on 0845 113 5000.