The situation developing at Valencia wharf is an odd one. Joseph
Holloway have been in the freight business for a very long time, they
operated a fleet of boats, maintained at their own dock on this site.
It is odd that one of the last connected canal carriers wants to
erase its history and destroy the link to its heritage. Their dock is
shown in my film "Working boats 2" and is about to shown again in a
new production. Thye repaired not only for themselves but for Thos
Clayton and others. Eventually the Allen Bros took over and built
some of the finest boats at the dock. Writing to Holloways is one way
of making them aware of what they are doing, also it means they are
unaware that a potential small marina holding approx 12 full length
boats with access to a main town centre together with motorway access
minutes away will be lost! Lost to park lorry's on!Also consider
complaining to Sandwell council, re heritage loss and possible
planning issues. One line comments here wont penetrate either
holloway's or Sandwell council, direct action might do, here are the
addresses:

Joseph Holloway Ltd
Valencia Wharf
Churchbridge, Oldbury, B69 2AP
0121 552 2146

Sandwell Council,
Council House,
Oldbury,
West Midlands
B69 3DE.

British Waterways are aware of the issue, Mike Youe is supportive of
retention.