Canal still closed

Though the Shropshire Union Canal is still closed for many miles, British Waterways staff were yesterday rescuing boats marooned at the top of Audlem locks, and in between the locks.

These boats have slowly made their way down through the locks, and once they are beyond Hack Green, north of Audlem, they are free to go where they will. But if they are based south of Audlem, it's rather a long way round via Nantwich, Middlewich, Stoke, Stone, Shugborough, Penkridge and Wolverhampton! A few boat owners have opted to stay put in Audlem.

The hole in Shebdon Embankment some miles south of Market Drayton is, apparently, serious, but a coffer dam has now been put in. British Waterways are now refilling the canal, but this could take several days. Subject to the temporary repair holding, it is hoped that the canal might reopen late this week.

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