
Birdgewater Canal Breach Updated Statement – 14th January 2025
TO AFFECTED BOATERS AT YE OLD NO. 3 PLUS OTHER INTERESTED PARTIES EMAIL GROUP
By way of update, we can confirm that work has now commenced on the construction of temporary dams. The first is being installed near Woodhouse Underbridge, Dunham and the second at Little Bollington. Once installed these will enable sections of the canal, including the Ye Old No.3 moorings, to be refloated. The temporary dams will be followed by the installation of more robust dams.
We are aware of a concern raised regarding the hull of boats that are resting on the bed of the canal following the breach. We have raised this concern with an independent boat builder who has confirmed that a boat hull in a seaworthy/navigable state should not be impacted by resting on the canal bed. We have also received advice from the Canal and River Trust that the refloating of boats should not be an issue. Canal boats are generally flat bottomed and hence will sit on the bottom of the canal, the reason they lean / are leaning is generally due to the slope of the canal shoulder and the likelihood of damage is low.
The rewatering of the canal and refloating of boats will be undertaken slowly to prevent any damage. All affected boaters will be communicated with before and during the refloating.
Just to make you aware, today at Ye Old No. 3, a welfare check is being conducted by Cheshire East Council together with the Bridgewater Canal Company.
Peter Parkinson – Director – Bridgewater Canal
14.01.25