No quick-fix for Shroppie breach

Published: Monday, 17 August 2009

THERE will be no quick-fix to the leak on the Shropshire Union Canal, with British Waterways confirming it will take weeks to repair.

It confirms that the waterway will remain closed until the leak is repaired, as forecast by Richard Hall in narrowboatworld, with the emphasis on helping boaters continue with their cruising holiday.

The leak, between Shebdon Bridge (44) and Park Heath Bridge (48) was still being investigated and would take several weeks to repair, with it closed to traffic at 6.30pm on Thursday 13th August following the discovery of the leak. The towpaths in the vicinity are also closed to allow movement of materials and plant.

Confirms British Waterways Customer Operations Manager David Baldacchino:

"We quickly isolated this stretch of canal, allowing the situation to be stabilised. Of course, the closure will inevitably impact upon the movement of craft along the canal and we are sorry for the disruption this will cause to holidaymakers."

Over the weekend, water feed to the northern section of the canal was reinstated, allowing craft to cruise north of the breach, with British Waterways staff on locks at other canals to cope with extra boat traffic and notifying boaters currently on the affected stretch about alternative cruising destinations.

The canal remains navigable from Autherley Junction to beyond Norbury in the South.

Boaters are being requested to follow the instructions of British Waterways' staff on site in order to maximise the number of boats that can continue on their way.

Photographs by Richard Hall.