Staff at Dudley Canal and Tunnel Trust are celebrating after being successful in a grant application for the Culture Recovery Fund for Heritage.

Trustees, Staff and Volunteers are delighted with the news and are looking forward to working on new projects whilst continuing to preserve the underground historic environment. The Trust’s chair, Jeff Luesley, said:

“We know how lucky we have been to receive support such as this. It’s a testament to all the work we have done in maintaining this unique environment for the last fifty years.

“Our visitors are always amazed by the beauty, vast history and geological wonder which is contained within the system, support such as this will help us ensure we can continue to offer the trips and engage the public into the future.”

The Trust welcomes over 100,000 visitors per year to the caverns, tunnels and underground waterways and this support will help them during what is proving to be the most challenging time the charity has ever experienced. Chief Executive, Traci Dix-Williams, added:

“This is incredible news. Like everyone in the cultural sector we have battled to stay in business to protect our heritage environment and assets, staff jobs, volunteers and public enrichment. There have been days when it has seemed very bleak and then days like today when we can see opportunities and a way forward.

“We still need support, financially and by people visiting us for trips and we know we still have a long way to go but this has given us a great boost.

“The staff have worked so hard to make sure the site is safe, that we have implemented all the recommendations and guidance and that everyone has a great visit and enjoys culture in an amazing setting.”