The Macclesfield 'leak'

CANAL & RIVER TRUST told 'that due to a leak in the [Macclesfield] canal bed, we have closed navigation and the towpath'.

Alas, as we surmised, it was somewhat more than a leak that occurred on the Macclesfield Canal. It was a real breach draining the waterway.

The 'leak' worsened

The trust tell that the leak which formed between the bed of the canal and a culvert at this location, worsened over the weekend, causing significant damage.

The canal bed and towpath were washed away, leaving a substantial hole in the canal wall and towpath. (Image by Taylors boaters.)

This was between Crowholt Bridge 52 and Locketts Bridge 53 and we are told that engineers have warned that substantial repairs to the collapsed canal banking will take 12 weeks to complete.

Stop planks at bridges 51 and 53 have been installed to stop further loss of water with the boats in the affected area told to move away.

The result is that a fish rescue was undertaken and efforts are taking place to restore the water levels at both sides of the affected area.

Waterway and towpath closed

In the meantime both the waterway and towpath will be closed until further notice.

The Bosley flight will also be closed for the duration of the repair to protect boats that have been relocated as a result of the breach, and no additional access will be possible for boats seeking services in the affected area.

Boaters are warned not to travel beyond bridge 50.