New leak forces closure of canal near collapse site

A new leak has forced the temporary closure of a stretch of canal close to where a major collapse happened just before Christmas last year.

The closure, from Monday, of the Llangollen Canal, in Whitchurch, Shropshire, comes nearly nine months after millions of litres of water were sent cascading onto nearby land, in the early hours of 22 December, leaving boat owners in disbelief.

Work by the Canal and River Trust (CRT) has been ongoing across the year, but a wet patch had been discovered, it said.

The Whitchurch Waterway Trust (WWT) said the leak is thought to be from the canal to the south of the works, which means that part of the canal will have to be temporarily closed by the CRT.

WWT said it had contacted all the boats moored on the stretch, known as the Arm, to explain the situation ahead of the closure.

Owners have been given the option to stay where they are or move to moorings elsewhere on the canal.

In a statement on the group's Facebook page it said the CRT had advised that the problem could be resolved within weeks or could extend for several months.

Hundreds had attended a festival at the site last week, aimed at encouraging more people to use the canal following the major incident.

"Coming so soon after our hugely successful canal festival, this is a setback," said WWT chair Mark Lacey.

"But we understand that renovating a 200-year old structure built with pick and shovel will throw up obstacles along the way.

"We have an excellent relationship with the CRT project team and we will work with them to ensure the best possible outcomes for everyone who enjoys the Whitchurch Arm."

The collapsed embankment has been rebuilt in layers, and its structural integrity has been reinforced.

Repair work is expected to be finished by February, costing the CRT about £10m.

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