Foam and scum on the Shroppie

EXPERTS are at present investigating the appearance of foam and scum on the Shropshire Union Canal at Audlem.

It has been present since before Christmas, with the freeze causing it to build up on the ice, in places up to two feet high, as there was no flow on the waterway to wash it away, Alan Tilbury tells us.

Increasing

At the moment it seems to be increasing, hence the experts to investigate its source, which is mostly South of the village.

The worry of course is for the wildlife, with British Waterways environmental people now on hand, to both test the water and try and find the source.

Theory

Boater Jim Cartright, who told us the foam and scum had been there since before Christmas had his own theory:

"There was always plenty of foam at particular locks on the Staffs & Worcs, usually by sewage works, and I wonder if this is the case here, with the scum being little more than residue from the sides of the canal that could not sink because of the ice?"

No doubt we will eventually find out.