Water pollution closed canal and killed fish

A suspected chemical spill closed the canal for a day last week between Audlem and Tyrley locks. British Waterways and the Environment Agency had to pump out the waste and save as much marine life as possible.

Paul Balmer, who was on a narrowboat stuck near Audlem investigated and found fish that were either dead or swallowing for air and were being removed to a pond near-by. He said: "There were lots of fish gasping for oxygen above the top (Audlem) lock and these were being collected and sent over the by-wash to the pound below where the ample flow of water was creating lots of oxygenated water and the fish looked much happier."

Acting General Manager of British Waterways David Baldacchino, said they were investigating the incident: "We suspended navigation along a five-mile length between Audlem and Tyrley, south of Market Drayton, and requested boaters to stay put until the all clear was given. We mobilized our response teams immediately and worked with the Environment Agency who are investigating the cause."

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