I live near the Stratford Upon Avon canal that runs from Kings Norton to Stratford upon Avon and have studied its history.
It was never a very profitable canal and eventually, like many canals, ran into disuse. In 1958 the local council wanted to replace a bridge over the canal, and rather that build a bridge that boats could go under wanted to bulid it "flat", which would have meant the end of the canal as a working route.
The council applied to have the canal "abandoned" but a few locals fought hard to keep the canal open.
The canal was full of weeds, and most of the locks did not work, but volunteers worked at weekends and during holidays to get the canal working again (with the help of the National Trust, amongst others).
Eventualy in 1964 the canal (southern section) was reopened by the Queen Mother, and now the whole canal is open.
It is used by people on canal boat holidays, by walkers and cyclists, by fishermen and nature lovers.