Blow to Lichfield restoration

THIEVES have delivered a huge blow to the progress of the Lichfield Canal restoration by stealing nearly £10,000 worth of equipment and tools used by its volunteers.

The thieves entered the security compound of the Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust, cut locks off the storage containers and stole power and other tools, one of the major items being the generator that provides electricity to drive other equipment on the site, Mick Fitzgibbons reveals.

Seriously delayed

This means that volunteer work on the restoration is now seriously delayed, with the Trust's Financial Director, Bob Williams, declaring that the theft is a set-back to the present highly successful restoration work at this location and has appealed for help from any organisations, companies or individuals who may have spare tools, or can offer the Trust any other assistance with this current problem as it has brought work to a halt in Darnford Park, Lichfield.

The value of the stolen items is approaching £10,000 which is a half of the Trust's annual income, and it is a major blow to the many unpaid volunteers who are out in all weathers raising money for the restoration as well as the members who spend time on the ground helping to restore the canal.

A Forensic Officer of Staffordshire Police was there shortly afterwards, and the crime is being investigated.

Bob Williams can be contacted on 01543 671427.