FIVE SCANDALS ALWAYS OVERLOOKED by every council leader over 50 years and two WMCA Mayors since 2017
Yesterday, I missed out from my list of three scandals, a fourth! The deteriorating, disgraceful slum of a canal tunnel which is the Netherton Tunnel towpaths - one closed and the other becoming unusable. Becoming unusable, even for crazy outdoor adventurers like Chris and me because of its unlit, flooded potholed state, only made a little safer by an ancient rickety rail to prevent a slip into the murky waters!
This is my cycling and walking in the Black Country list of destruction and negligence, of incompetence and corruption by the authorities. My sad conclusion on the 50th anniversary of my moving to the Black Country in 1976 :
Perhaps, one of the first two railways in the UK turned into an official footpath in the 70s or 80s but never improved/modernised and, certainly, never maintained. Now a dirt bikers paradise to trash and destroy - exactly as is happening.
Himley Environmental Ltd (HEL) allows public access from the cycle-walkway and other public rights of way (PROW) to a landfill site venting off a cocktail of poisonous gases - and right next to our cycle-walkway!
Anti social behaviour and criminal activity on the Dudley section of the cycle-walkway. I complained to the Police over these people's threats and intimidating behaviour towards me.
The trashing of nature on the other side of our route from the landfill/sewage site in Pensnett/Gornal. The destruction and negligence is worse than ever from what I saw on Sunday!
The deteriorating, disgraceful slum of a canal tunnel which is the Netherton Tunnel towpaths - one closed and the other becoming unusable. Becoming unusable, even for crazy outdoor adventurers like Chris and me because of its unlit, flooded potholed state, only made a little safer by an ancient rickety rail to prevent a slip into the murky waters!
Netherton Canal Tunnel must be included as part of our ‘Cycle Circular’ which takes in the UK’s Top cycle-walkway through the Black Country and South Staffordshire.
A round table, major get together is very necessary, I think. Before Covid we had one at Dudley's Lister Road depot over the Pensnett Railway Walk - but nothing came of it. It was such a well attended meeting by officers, too. The senior officer moved on to another authority and things got worse, in fact!
Beccy, may we discuss active travel matters with you, please at 16 Summer Lane (or wherever) and with Richard Parker, too? A full hour would be needed, please. Richard must be involved because of the serious health and safety/security implications from the above scandals.
TIM WELLER 13 August 2026
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