I have been contacted by The Clayhanger Kid himself, Brian Stringer, who’s rightly concerned by the lack of cleaning and maintenance of the Pier Street Pedestrian Bridge.

Installed in 2007, it’s the crossing over the canal near the old market. So many of us use this bridge, it’s rightly something the town can be proud of. Sadly, without much maintenance, it’s become grubby, has problems with moss and algae, and just needs a damn good clean.

It would be a reflex action to blame Walsall Council, but they’re not responsible for the upkeep of this facility, that task falls on the Canal and River Trust, formerly British Waterways.

I’ll let Brian explain:

Hi Bob

I’m concerned about the state of the Pier Street Bridge.

Since it was put in place no maintenance has been forthcoming and, like me I suppose you’ve noticed the slimy algae that has gathered on each side of the steps and walkway, to say nothing of the green stuff marring the white tubes.

We’ve been in touch with The Canal and River Trust who promised to clean it up, but that was months ago, so we are trying to push them now with the Canalside festival fast approaching.

In the meantime if you have any contacts at BW a nudge might help.

Cheers, Brian

I think it would help if a few of us could approach the trust and make a polite request that this wonderful facility is shown some much-overdue TLC. The Trust’s contact details can be found on their website.

While we’re about it, if Brian or anyone else connected with the Canalside Festival is reading this, can you please email me some details? I’d love to publicise this event, but details are scant.

That’s Brownhillsbob at Googlemail dot com. Cheers.