Camp Ref CC2024-14

The Lapal Canal is the name given by canal restorers to the abandoned length of the Dudley No 2 Canal, which was built as a bypass route around Birmingham.

The canal suffered from mining subsidence, affecting the very long Lapal Tunnel, which eventually collapsed and closed the route. The Trust’s long-term aim is to reopen it via a new route with locks climbing over the hill rather than repair the tunnel.  However, in the shorter term, the goal is to open the east end as a local amenity and an attractive detour off the Worcester & Birmingham Canal – starting with the current project at Selly Oak Park.

This project will provide public access from the popular Selly Oak Park to the towpath at the western end of the canal, which Lapal Canal Trust is currently working to reopen as a short branch off the Worcester & Birmingham Canal leading into the park.

The work this year is to complete the task we began during last year’s Canal Camp, to build an access ramp connecting an original brick bridge to the towpath.