ONCE it was a fine example of engineering and a place of beauty but today a local man says Barnsley Canal is nothing more than a stagnant eyesore.
Wayne Hadfield and three of his friends cleared a stretch of the canal which runs through his land in Wilthorpe but he's worried that if it deteriorates further it may be impossible to save.
He said: "The water is stagnant and the smell is overpowering with virtually all fish and wildlife long gone."
Coun Jenny Platts, cabinet spokesperson for communities, said the canal has significant amenity, wildlife and historical value. "Elsewhere along the canal, we have recently begun to undertake cleanups with volunteer groups and have arranged leases or licences for anglers and community groups wishing to look after their local section.
"Without specialist advice from ecologists, clearing out of the canal would do more harm than good to local wildlife."
