Yesterday I went for a stroll down to one Stoke-on-Trent's major historical building accomplishments, the Harecastle Tunnel (Tunstall Side).

I'd not long let my house when I spotted a lot of smoke coming from down by the canal so as a hyperlocal writer for Tunstall I decided to take a look.

I was saddened by the sight greated me, as a massive section of trees by the canal had been cut down and the off cuts were in the process of being burnt off.

The damaging effect on wildlife and the effect on tourism could be massive for the area.

Thousands of tourists past through our canal systems every year, bringing much needed income to the area, and as stated one of the focal points for canal tourism is the journey through the Harecastle tunnel.

Normally boats will have to wait for other boats to navigate the canal, giving tourists and boat users time to take in the local sights.

This sadly has been ruined.

Source and more pictures: My Tunstall -  Chatterley Valley/Harecastle Tunnel/Goldendale pool beauty wiped out as trees are logged on the Stoke-on-Trent Newcastle-under-Lyme Border