At least Easter before Shroppie culvert breach is repaired

WHILST the breach on the Shropshire Union Canal at Audlem is being quickly repaired, no such luck with the one at Bennet's Bridge (80).

This was the breach between Wharton's Lock and Beeston Iron Lock which drained 20 miles of waterway between Audlem and Ellesmere Port leaving many boats stranded in late January.

Remains dewatered

Whilst this section of the canal remains dewatered, Canal & River Trust teams have been working together to manage the water levels and provide a sufficient flow past the affected areas, Keith Gudgin reports.

The contractors have now installed a temporary access into the canal bed at Bennett's Bridge and will be starting work to remove the damaged culvert early next week, weather permitting.

Prepared their design

The engineers have now prepared their design for the permanent repair works to the culvert and the contractors have started work on a temporary towpath diversion around the work site whilst continuing with the set-up of the site itself.

The trust states it will endeavour to get this repair complete in time for Easter that is eight weeks away, though it adds it could take longer, from eight to ten weeks, it being subject to the ongoing effects from Storm Christoph and other arising emergency works in the North West.