Dudley Canals

The Lapal Canal Trust’s objective is the restoration of the 5½-mile length of the Dudley No 2 Canal from Halesowen to Selly Oak, thus reopening a Midlands ring last used in 1917. The trust, together with other local canal societies and community groups, has helped ensure that the route is protected. Trust volunteers are maintaining the canal at the Leasowes in Halesowen and in Selly Oak Park. Whitehouse Wharf was rebuilt next to its original location on the Worcester & Birmingham Canal at a cost of £350,000. The wharf provides a turning area and access to the new route of the canal alongside the retail park. The next stages of restoration are the 340m from the Worcester & Birmingham Canal to Harborne Wharf, and the 490m length in Selly Oak Park. Preliminary work is well in hand on the first section and the trust is busy fundraising to generate the estimated £2.6m required to finish it. The expression of interest to NLHF has been accepted and the trust is currently applying for funding for the development stage. In August 2023, WRG completed the first half of a disabled ramp, with the remainder to be completed in August 2024.

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