Leak closes Mon & Brec again

THE Mon & Brec Canal is closed at the start of the cruising season due to a leak in the pound that was repaired after the 2007 bank collapse.

Part of the pound is now drained between bridges 116 and 118 with the Northern section open which allows just a couple of days of cruising.

Bookings in jeopardy

Work will start on Monday 1st March to repair the leak that is in the canal bed, with an estimated completion date of 17th March, meaning that hire companies will have three weeks bookings in jeopardy.

British Waterways maintain the leak was unrelated to recent work to strengthen the canal walls in the area.

Waterway Manager Nick Worthington related:

"We are aware that this will impact on the first week of the visitor season and apologise for any disruption to people's holiday plans while we carry out these essential repairs.

"We have contacted all the affected hire boat operators and will ensure everyone is kept informed as work progresses."

Water levels downstream of bridge 116 to Five Locks will be up to 150mm lower during the repair works, and boaters are advised to check the draft of their boats before using this section of canal.