EIGHT MILES FROM THE breach at Whitchurch comes another breach on the Llangollen Canal.
And this one could have been averted.
Blocked culvert
The breach is near Bridge 50 on the waterway at Hampton Bank, and caused by a blocked culvert that was discovered during August.
The blockage was not examined but a generator and pump was installed to carry the water around the blocked culvert.
Then contractors arrived at the site in November to clear the culvert of its obstruction by a pressure washer, but it was unsuccessful.
It is understood that this caused the culvert to collapsed, that then caused a more severe blockage with water then flooding out of the canal.
Bad decision
It was then decided to place a tarpaulin over the area of the canal to stop the flow, (pictured) but was a bad decision as the force of the water drew the tarpaulin into the culvert, so another tarpaulin was used, this time secured to the bank.
But the workers were worried about the the rush of water now escaping and retreated from the area, but managed to get sandbags around the bank but it was breaking up with the workers concerned for their safety so wasted no time in getting away.
More sandbags were installed around the ground that was badly giving way, but the force of water increased and in the dark the towpath could no longer stand the pressure of the escaping water it now pouring onto the land and a nearby property.
And so—another Llangollen Canal breach!
That really could have been avoided if the culvert had been properly inspected and repaired in August.
Photo thanks to Kieran for his drone skills of major canal breach as it happened.