Hi all
The following is a joint statement issued by both BW and Laurence
Hogg (in the latter instance, on behalf of other interested parties).
Best wishes, Eugene
THE FUTURE OF SANDWELL'S COAL CHUTES
12 April 2006
Meeting between British Waterways and interested parties agrees way
forward following expert opinion from English Heritage
Following the concerns recently expressed by local waterways and
industrial heritage enthusiasts about the proposed demolition of the
Sandwell Park Colliery coal chutes alongside Birmingham's Old Main
Line waterway, British Waterways (BW) invited an English Heritage
conservation expert to view the site and advise on the merits of
preserving the 1930's industrial building.
A meeting yesterday (11 April 2006) between BW and key waterways
enthusiasts considered the views of English Heritage, who have
advised that the 1930s-constructed chutes are beyond economic
repair. The English Heritage study concluded that `much of the
historic value of these seriously decayed structures would
inevitably be lost once the necessary extensive repairs to the
reinforced concrete are undertaken. Given the health and safety
concerns, we appreciate that to simply allow the chutes to decay
further is unlikely to be an acceptable solution for British
Waterways.'
The Immediate Future
While all parties expressed disappointment that this industrial
relic could not be saved, it was agreed that to simply leave the
coal chutes where they are, alongside the Birmingham Old Main Line
Canal was unacceptable because of the potential danger they posed
through the risk of collapse.
As a result of this decision both canal enthusiasts and British
Waterways are now keen to work in partnership to accurately record
the chutes before they are taken down, an operation expected to be
completed by the end of June 2006. BW will employ a specialist
archaeological recorder to photograph the site along with collating
all other documentary evidence associated with the chutes, their
construction, industrial life and eventual demise. The documentary
materials will eventually be used for public interpretation at the
former site and loaned to the Smethwick Heritage Centre Trust to
enable school parties and other visitors to appreciate the rich
industrial past of this part of the Birmingham Canal Network.
Beyond Demolition
Once the unsafe chutes have been dismantled members of the
partnership established between British Waterways and local
enthusiasts will be able to explore the wider area where once a
thriving colliery and waterborne transport business was based. From
existing archive pictures and other documents it is believed that
the site holds a wealth of other industrial relics such as inclined
planes and narrow gauge railways for the loading and unloading of
coal.
At the meeting held yesterday British Waterways encouraged the local
enthusiasts to mobilise further support and resources, to enable the
site to be carefully cleared of vegetation, to reveal what other
structures may be currently hidden from public view. If all goes to
plan it is expected that this will take place in the Autumn of 2006,
with a further meeting planned between the members of the
partnership to discuss what has been found, how it can be
interpreted for public benefit and what other improvements can be
made to the site.
Commenting on the outcome, Robin Evans, BW's Chief Executive,
said: "We value English Heritage's expert opinion. It was important
that a final opportunity to conserve the chutes was explored since
we all value canalside heritage as a link to our pasts. While it
does not mean the chutes can be preserved, this newly formed
partnership between BW and volunteers will ensure that the full
potential of the remaining industrial artefacts is realised and
portrayed for future generations."
Laurence Hogg, speaking on behalf of the local volunteers (who
include the Inland Waterways Association, canal trusts, societies
and industrial heritage bodies), said: "We're sad but not surprised
that the chutes must come down, bearing in mind their current sorry
and crumbling state. But our expectations are upbeat when looking to
the future in this newly found partnership between BW and
ourselves. We look forward to working together into the future,
securing the waterway heritage and landscape, and call on others to
join us in contributing to the further understanding of Birmingham's
and the Black Country's rich canal-based industrial heritage."
ENDS
Notes to editors and background information:
 Sandwell Council has already granted consent for the
structure to be demolished, which will take place once the recording
of the site is complete. Demolition is expected to take place by
the end of June 2006.
 People interested in joining the group of volunteers
planning to clear the site and promote its industrial past should
contact Laurence Hogg, tel:01902 602180, or
email:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
 Until the chutes are dismantled, the Old Main Line of the
Birmingham Canal Navigations between Smethwick Locks and Spon Lane
Locks will be closed to boat traffic, although the towpath will
remain open. This will not affect boat traffic since vessels will
be able to use the alternative Birmingham New Main Line navigation
built adjacent to the affected navigation.
 While the 1930s-built coal chutes are not listed structures
BW is the third largest owner of listed structures in the UK. In
the early 1990s BW approached the Secretary of State and asked that
the merits of granting listed status to the chutes be considered.
This was rejected.
 In November 2004 British Waterways considered the future of
the coal chutes as part of a wider regeneration scheme in
partnership with Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council. The
partnership was successfully granted £30,000 from the Heritage
Lottery Fund to undertake a preservation feasibility study.
 The study, undertaken by expert consultant engineers Arup,
was suspended almost immediately when engineers identified
significant safety issues with the structure's condition. Since
that time BW has fenced off the site pending demolition of the
chutes, along with carrying out weekly safety inspections to check
on the structure's deteriorating condition.
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