Mooring information for boaters visiting the Commonweath Games

THE West Midlands canals will be showcased to the world during the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games which open on July 28.

While games events and activities are spread across multiple venues, the main focal point will be Birmingham city centre, as visitors will enjoy central access to key venues, live sites and public transport across the region.

The Canal & River Trust is not looking to make major changes to the current moorings across the region, as it believes it has the capacity to accommodate visitors, but will be making some minor amendments to its mooring guidance.

Ian Lane, head of strategic projects for the West Midlands and the trust’s lead for the Commonwealth Games, said: “The spotlight of the world will be on the city and given the core location of the canal network to the venues, we will undoubtedly be seeing a huge rise in footfall along our towpaths as well as wider media coverage.

“We are encouraging our boaters to come and enjoy the games and we are really excited to be working with various organisations to create events, celebrating our canals, its rich history and the boating communities that now use and enjoy it.”

For business boaters who operate near venues and particularly in Birmingham city centre, moorings and normal business operations should not be affected.

If you are looking to moor up near to venues or the city and then travel on to locations, timetables for travel are available on Trainline (www.trainline.com) and on Travel West Midlands (nxbus.co.uk/westmidlands).

There may be, at certain times in advance and during the Games, locations where restrictions may be in place at certain times. These are expected to be for a short period and boaters are advised to check the trust website at www. canalrivertrust.org.uk/commonwealth-games-2022

The online booking system was set to go live by late June.