Canal re-opened after breach

The Shropshire Union was re-opened just before Christmas following repairs to a major breach of the Middlewich branch in March.

According to the CRT, more than 4,000 tonnes of stones have been needed to rebuild the canal embankment so that it can be refilled with water and can once again be enjoyed by boaters, walkers, runners and the local community.

The work cost nearly £3 million and was funded by the Trust as well as players of People's Postcode Lottery. Generous donations from the local community also raised over £30,000 for the emergency appeal.

Contractors, Kier and CPC Civils, on behalf of the Trust, have rebuilt the 12m high embankment prior to constructing new concrete canal walls, a PVC lining membrane and concrete protection slab as well as reinstating the towpath in preparation for the reopening.

Volunteers have worked closely with the Trust, removing debris from the canal bed, carrying out towpath improvements, recovering bricks for re-use, painting lock gates and clearing vegetation. Several volunteers also undertook some hedge laying training recently, to learn how to restore the historic hedgerows that can be found along the towpath.

For more on the work carried out to restore the canal and to find out how you can support the trust, visit the appeal page.

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