Canal towpath reopens after cyanide spill

The 12-mile-stretch of canal in Walsall has been shut since August

A section of canal towpath that has been closed for almost two months due to a toxic chemical spill has reopened to the public.

About 4,000 litres (879 gallons) of sodium cyanide and other chemicals leaked into a 12-mile stretch of the Walsall canal in August.

The source was confirmed as Anochrome Ltd, which deals in surface coatings and sealing.

The Environment Agency said pollution was now at an "acceptable" level and the towpath through Pleck would reopen from Thursday, although the canal will remain shut to boaters.

The spillage was found on Monday 12 August and killed thousands of fish. People were asked to avoid the canal and towpaths from Walsall lock flight to the lock flights at Rushall/Ryders Green and Perry Barr, in Birmingham.

Walsall Council said the priority "continues to be the safety" of canal users and some restrictions around the canal remain in place.

Despite pollution levels falling, members of the public have still been warned to continue to avoid any contact with the water.

The council said: "Pets should be kept out of the water and all fishing activity, including magnet fishing, should not take place as this may disturb sediment in the canal which is likely to still be contaminated.

"Navigation along the canal will, for the foreseeable future, remain closed. Again, this is to avoid disturbing silt on the bed of the canal."

Councillor Garry Perry, Leader of Walsall Council, said the focus was now on the recovery of the canal and its wildlife.