Stranded boat gets released

A NARROWBOAT stranded by the breach on the Caldon Canal was at last rescued yesterday (Monday).

The boat had been confined to the northern terminus of the canal since temporary dams were put in place following the breach on 12th November.

Since then British Waterways staff had been working to identify a means of relocating the boat but their efforts had been hampered by limited road access to the canal.

Made yard available

The nearby CPM concrete works came to the rescue by making a section of their yard available for a 500 tonne crane to lift the boat from the canal and load it onto a lorry headed for Longport Wharf where it was craned into the Trent & Mersey Canal.

Central Shires Waterway Manager Darren Green explained:

"The restricted access in the area has made it a more difficult and costly exercise than it first appeared however I'm pleased that we've been able to identify a solution that will enable the boat to rejoin the canal network before Christmas."

We are told that it is hoped that the canal can be reopened in time for the main boating season at Easter.