Canal closures next winter

Each Spring, Canal & River Trust (CRT) advise of planned forthcoming canal closures for annual maintenance.

I saw that they were intending to close the canal near Market Drayton in November and December, and in the Audlem area in January and December, with the canal only open throughout its length at that time for two weeks at Christmas.

Recognising that this would deprive local traders of a significant amount of trade for about three months in total, I contacted CRT, and after lots of internal discussion, they told me today that they will change their plans. This coming winter, there will be no work before Christmas, and the canal will close for 5-6 weeks from early January, so minimizing the impact on trade.

Bearing in mind that the canal has been closed in the run up to Christmas for the last two or three years, this should provide welcome additional trade for 2019!

Ed – we have received copies of e-mails from Judy Evans and Lisa Taylor thanking Peter for his efforts and congratulating him on the result.

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