Graffiti removed from canal bridges in Olton

Solihull Council’s Neighbourhoods Team working with the Canal and River Trust and Olton Baptist Church have undertaken some work along the Grand Union Canal.

The council had received requests from local residents about the unsightly amount of graffiti on the canal bridge that crosses the canal at Richmond Road.

The one side of the bridge was easily accessible via the tow path – however, the opposite side could only be accessed safely by boat.

Regular volunteers from Olton Baptist Church took on the challenge to paint the accessible side of the bridge in May as one of their Sunday Out community projects, but the other side required assistance.

On Wednesday 7th June the Canal and River Trust sent their maintenance boat and a member of staff to meet Council Officers and a local Police Community Support Officer who undertook the work.

Once Richmond Road bridge was completed, further bridges were inspected leading to the additional painting of a section of bridge over Lode Lane which was also inaccessible safely by foot.

A spokesperson for Love Solihull said: “This partnership working between the Neighbourhoods Team and the Canal and River Trust will ensure that Solihull’s waterways are an environment that can be enjoyed by all.”

For further information about similar projects, visit the Love Solihull website: https://lovesolihull.org

Read more: http://www.solihullgetinvolved.co.uk/2016/06/09/632/