Residents' disgust at mindless vandalism of Falkirk canal trail

Ken Hutton, former chairman of the Friends of the Charlotte Dundas, found it hard to hide his anger and disappointment over the recent vandalism and thefts committed against the trail, which features interpretation panels, signage and seating as it stretches from world famous Kelpies and Helix Park along the Forth and Clyde Canal to Lock One and Dalgrain Road in Grangemouth’s Old Town where the canal meets the River Carron.

He also stated people who enjoyed walking the trail had also told him of their anger at the criminals who ripped two heritage information panels and a large way sign from their locations and subsequently stole or disposed of them.

Ken said: “It was a monumental feat to get the trail up and running in the first place – to see this happen is just such a body blow. Everyone is absolutely appalled by what has happened."

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The trail cost around £150,000 and took five years to complete, involving input from Ken, local historian Ian Scott, artist Tom Robertson and a number of businesses including Ogilvy, Border Signs, Signs Express and Eden Consultancy, as well as organisations like Falkirk Council.

Ken’s attention was drawn to the crime last Thursday by people who noticed the damage and missing panels and subsequently mentioned it on social media.

"I immediately reported the matter to police,” said Ken. “One of the panels near the M9 bridge was ripped off and it may have gone into the canal. It must have taken a very strong person, or maybe two people to have ripped the panel loose.”

The trail celebrates the creation of world's first ever practical paddle steamer the Charlotte Dundas and its connection to the area.

"There is great local appreciation of this trail,” said Ken. “There is great optimism we can restore the trail, but we need help. When we were coming up with the trail raising the money for it was one of the biggest tasks.

"We are discussing things like crowd funding just now – but if the trail is restored will this vandalism happen again? We maybe have to look at a different design for these things.”

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