Neglected canal tow path is being revived

A neglected canal walkway in Northolt renowned for problems with litter and antisocial behaviour is being brought back to life this year by volunteers from the local community.

Residents working alongside housing group A2Dominion are renovating the public footpath running between Leander Road and Western Avenue.

Ealing Council Leader and local ward Julian Bell joined nearly 70 people on Saturday 28 March to make a start on the six-month project, which will replace years of rubbish and overgrown foliage with brand-new landscaping, lighting and public bins.

Adults and children from nearby neighbourhoods worked with grounds maintenance contractors Amey in March to remove litter, weeds and old tree roots, while staff from a nearby supermarket were on hand to provide free refreshments.

Heather David, A2Dominion’s Head of Community Investment, said:

“This project is not only bringing the Northolt community even closer together, but it is giving a neglected public strip of land some much-needed care and attention to better the safety and wellbeing of our residents.”

A2Dominion, which manages nearly 3,500 homes in the borough, is using £10,000 funding from the government and £500 from the Bubble Springtime Community Fund to renovate the route over the next six months.

The footpath, which runs for 250m along the Grand Union Canal, is a popular shortcut with local residents but has become a common ground for fly tipping over time and an area where young people congregate during the evenings.

A2Dominion staff will meet with members of the Northolt Residents Association and other local people in the last weekend of each month to continue the project.

Anyone interested in volunteering to help renovate the public canal walkway over the next six months should contact Deb Alldis of the Northolt Residents Association on 07986 050742 or by emailing: nortoltra@gmail.com.

The pathway runs alongside the Grand Union Canal between Leander Road and Western Avenue in Northolt, UB5 6TE.

7th April 2015