More tourists are bound for an overnight stay in Wednesfield as confirmation is given that a further 18 narrow boats will be mooring up and staying in Wednesfield during August.
Councillor Phil Bateman said – I think this is great news for Wednesfield and Wolverhampton as another 34 tourists on 18 Narrow-boats are bound for our historic Village.
This canal is an important piece of infrastructure, it is more than 200 years old and has always been an effective conduit for the local economy since its opening.
It opened to supply transport for the coal hewn from our local colliery’s, providing fuel and energy for homes and industry in towns across our region and beyond.
Now some 200 years on it is supplying a different sort of economic boost to our local economy.
It is still being used as a waterway. But the old coal barges have gone, and in their place are beautifully crafted and painted Narrow Boats. These leisure craft are bringing increasing numbers of leisure visitors who themselves are discovering the magnificent flowers, trees, water plants like Lily’s and Iris and the interesting different bird species that live on the Wyrley & Essington canal.
This year on the Wyrley & Essington Canal we have attracted three overnight cruises. Fabulous – just fabulous!
Currently the proposed Local Nature Reserve that is being promoted for the Wyrley & Essington Canal is out for public consultation.
All in all this wonderful canal that runs from Wolverhampton through Wednesfield to Brownhills, is attracting more interest each year from local people, the region, and from boating and tourism groups.
