Anger as vandals drain part of canal
A SPATE of vandalism at Erewash Canal is harming wildlife in the area.
Erewash Borough Council and the Canal and River Trust have launched an appeal after the water was completely drained at Erewash Canal from Long Eaton Lock to Dockholme Lock.
The incident happened on a stretch affecting the canal heading downstream from Langley Mill.
The latest incident happened a week ago yesterday but the trust says the problem has been going on for around five weeks every Friday or Saturday.
The drainage is having a significant impact on wildlife, particularly fish that are distressed and struggling to breathe due to lack of water, as well as nesting birds and plants that have started to blossom.
It’s also affecting the local community, which has been reliant on the canal during lockdown for quiet, green space.
The council and trust believe that whoever is responsible knows the canal network as the vandalism has been done to cause “maximum damage”.
The network is due to reopen soon to boaters and these incidents have put added pressure on trust staff.
A spokesman for the trust confirmed the paddles at both locks are being clamped open to drain the “pound” at Sandiacre – the section between two locks.
This is where the trust would usually top water levels up from but teams are now having to feed water through from Langley Mill further up.
The spokesman added: “It’s also causing us a huge operational challenge as well, particularly in light of the Covid-19 restrictions.
“Our teams are having to go to site, with all the social distancing challenges that presents with members of the public, when they shouldn’t need to.”
Dan Whyment, regional operations manager for the trust, said: “This is so frustrating and I honestly can’t begin to understand what’s going through the vandals’ minds.
“The canal is a really beautiful green corridor, full of wildlife, that we know has provided a valuable space for people to get out and clear their minds during the lockdown.
“By draining the canal of water the vandals are not only harming the wildlife but they’re also depriving local people of a really important place to look after their health and wellbeing. the past five weeks
“The police have been great and are stepping up patrols on the towpath, but we’ve also had support from Erewash Borough Council and local people are keeping a closer eye on the canal as well which is fantastic.”
Anyone witnessing vandalism or other crimes should ring Derbyshire Police on 101. him: “You were celebrated as someone who had managed to turn round his life. You came out of custody with high hopes that you would be an example to others. For a period you did that. To say you let yourself and others down in a spectacular style is to put it mildly.”
In 2009, Grant, then of Addison Road, was handed an indeterminate sentence for ordering the shooting of a man at a party at a property in Harvey Road, Allenton. The victim, then 24-year-old Frank Farrell, was shot in the leg in the front garden. The gunman, then 20-year-old Jahvan Gibbons, was sent to young offender’s institution for 20 years.
Grant was handed the indeterminate sentence after he was found guilty of possessing a firearm with intent to endanger life and assisting an offender.