It’s hard to imagine it now but in the 1830’s the Stourbridge Arm canal extended across the now very busy main road to serve a basin but all was demolished by the development of the Mill Race Lane Trading estate in the mid 1970’s. The photograph above shows the arch where boats could originally travel through the tunnel under the road to reach the railway goods yard where trains and boats worked together in harmony for the transportation of industrial raw materials.
Only the blocked entrance to the tunnel portal remains and this can clearly be seen at the eastern end of the modern Dry Dock which has seen a resurgence of activity in recent years under the stewardship of ABC Marine Services who have been trading from the Bonded Warehouse site since 2008.
The Dry Dock is being constantly improved to meet the needs of the thriving business and the associated health & safety requirements that underpin this specialist boat maintenance and repair service. Run by Gary Waterfield, ABC Marine Services operates the Dry Dock at the end of the Town Arm and also a Workshop at the rear of the Stourbridge Navigation Trust Offices.
If you need maintenance or repair to your narrowboat get in touch with Gary direct, who will offer sound advice and if required recommend an experienced, qualified engineer who can carry out most types repair or installation to narrowboats.
ABC Marine Services also supply a range of chandlery items and consumables which include:
- Calor Gas
- Smokeless & House Coal
- Elsan
- Oil & Filters
- Craftmaster Paint
- Rylard Hull Coatings
- Various Canal Maps & Guides
Other items available on request
To book the Dry Dock or to make enquiries regarding other work please contact:
Gary Waterfield Tel: 07764 840100 or Email: LonghartLtd@btconnect.com
