A Walsall couple restoring two listed buildings fear they will be reduced to rubble if concerns go unmet by Walsall Council and property developer Anthem Lovell.

David and Maria Hall own the Toll House Cottage and the Boatman’s Rest which face out onto the Walsall Canal off Old Birchills.

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The two Grade II listed buildings are within the historic Walsall Locks Conservation Area.

The Boatman’s Rest was built in 1901 and was funded by the Seamen and Boatmen’s Friendly Society, of which Joel Cadbury was the chair.

The building was used as a mission for the canal users, offering hot drinks, a kitchen, chapel, and letter reading and writing services, since many of the boatmen were illiterate.

In recent history the building was turn

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