Canal closure update

Following yesterday's news that the Shropshire Union canal is closed, the latest situation is that yesterday evening, British Waterways escorted the hire boats caught in the canal closure down the Audlem flight of locks (some backwards!), so that they can return to their bases ready for new customers.

It is understood that pumps may be installed over the weekend so that there will be enough water for all the other trapped boats to come down through the Audlem locks. There is no more news on a likely reopening date for the canal, but the middle of next week is still being suggested.

The closure is because of a hole in the bed of the canal at Shebdon, to the south of Market Drayton in Staffordshire. This is likely to cause significent disruption to holiday traffic with boats unable to move except, as last night, if arranged by British Waterways. Otherwise, all boats must stay at their current mooring and the locks in Audlem and elsewhere are closed and must not be used.

Thanks again to Peter Silvester of Audlem Mill for the news update.

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