Action plan to help those caught in Bridgewater breach

AN ACTION plan has been brought in to help those affected by the Bridgewater Canal breach.

Both an MP and Councillors braved the freezing temperatures in an attempt to help boaters whose lives have been affected by the breach on the waterway, Janet Friend reports.

Thousands of gallons

The embankment collapse caused thousands of gallons of water to flood out of the canal, with boats left stranded in the mud and properties having to be evacuated.

It was understood that this was a problem for Canal & River Trust, that then issued a statement explaining it is run by the Bridgewater Canal Company part of the Peel Group based at Trafford.

The  action plan was for immediate support needs for those that had to be evacuated from their boats and homes.

There has been dissatisfaction online about the lack of communication from Peel, with one disgruntled boater writing—I moor on the Bridgewater Canal but I am one of the lucky ones protected by the planks installed, but there are many caught in the drained sections at both sides of the breach.

Zero presence

Another boater complained of the 'zero presence' from Peel after the catastrophic event.

The owners of the Bridgewater told:  "As this is a live situation, we are unable to give any updates at this present time."

The canal last breached 54 years ago in 1971, near to the present breach. Image by kind permission of North West Ground Engineering.