Canal flood appeal launched

SUCH has been the impact on the canals by the incessant rain over the weeks that the Canal & River Trust have launched an appeal to friends and volunteers to help repair some of the damage.

Out of action

Most of the waterways are out of action, either by being completely under water, with fallen trees, blocked culverts or other damage.

In many parts, both the canals and rivers have been channelling water away from homes, farmland and businesses, and are now deluged themselves. 100s of trees have fallen across the network in the last 24 hours alone, sluices are constantly being cleared of debris, bridges damaged and there is extensive damage to large sections of embankments and the canal banks.

Deluged

Many canals, particularly the Oxford and Grand Union have been deluged by water with many bridges damaged and numerous lengths of towpath washed away. The Bridgwater & Taunton Canal had been playing a significant role in efforts to relieve the flooded Somerset Levels, but is now itself in flood.

The Severn is experiencing its worst flood of living memory, with locks and other structures submerged, with damaged liable to be significant.  It's tidal section has encroached on to the Gloucester & Sharpness Canal, with large swathes of land now under water. The Avon (pictured) is completely impassible for its whole length, with once again Tewkesbury getting the brunt of the flooding, being at its confluence with the Severn.

Both the Llangollen and the Mon & Brec have experienced land slips where embankments are being urgently stabilised to safeguard the waterways.

Vince Moran, Canal & River Trust Operations Director, tells us:

"I am hugely grateful to our staff, contractors and volunteers who have been braving the elements and working around the clock, clearing fallen trees and debris, keeping water moving away from the worst affected areas and making repairs wherever possible. Our resources are stretched and the situation continues to deteriorate day by day.

"The full extent of the damage cannot yet be assessed. However, when waters recede we expect to see major damage to towpaths, locks and other canal heritage structures and features, which will affect millions of people and cost millions to repair.

"We are appealing for your help now to enable us to respond to this unprecedented crisis. Your support will help us fund the immediate and longer-term repairs that will be necessary to bring our towpaths and waterways back into use as quickly as possible. Every penny you give will be spent directly and entirely on repairing and protecting flood affected waterways."

To donate: www.canalrivertrust.org.uk/national-appeal