Vandals are repeatedly draining part of the Erewash Canal and nobody knows why
'I honestly can’t begin to understand what’s going through the vandals' minds'
by Phoebe RamA spate of vandalism at Erewash Canal is having a detrimental impact on 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 Sunday, May 24 affecting the canal heading downstream from Langley Mill.
However, the Trust has confirmed the problem has been going on for around five weeks every Friday or Saturday.
The drainage is having a significant impact on local 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 who have 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 next week to boaters and these incidents have put added pressure on the Canal and River Trust staff who are trying to prepare.
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 Canal & River 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.
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"By draining the canal of water the vandals are not only harming the wildlife but they’re also depriving local people, possibly members of their family or neighbours, of a really important place to look after their health and wellbeing.
“The one positive is that it’s brought the local community together.
"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.
"We’re determined that we won’t let a mindless minority spoil the canal for local people at a time when they need it most.”
Erewash Borough Council has asked that anyone witnessing vandalism/crimes to report incidents to the Derbyshire Police on 101.
The Trusts's non-emergency number is 0303 0404040. Its emergency number is 0800 4799947.