𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐠𝐞𝐰𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐂𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐥: 𝐔𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐨𝐧 𝐂𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐁𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡 𝐢𝐧 𝐃𝐮𝐧𝐡𝐚𝐦

On the morning of 1st January 2025, the Bridgewater Canal team responded swiftly to reports of a possible canal breach near Dunham, adjacent to the River Bollin in Cheshire. Emergency stoplogs were installed at Adgen and Dunham to isolate the affected section, successfully dewatering approximately 3km of the canal. This action prevented a full loss of the canal and mitigated further flooding caused by the extreme weather.

We have been working closely with the Strategic and Tactical Command Group, chaired by Cheshire Police, alongside multi-agency partners to ensure safety and support for all affected parties.

𝐊𝐞𝐲 𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞:

• Direct support: On 1st January, Cheshire Police contacted all directly affected parties, offering support and alternative accommodation. The Bridgewater Canal team followed up by phone on 2nd January and in person on 3rd January.
• Stoplogs and earth dam: Since the stoplogs were installed, our team has prioritised efforts to stem the flow of canal water. On 4th January, an additional earth dam was constructed at School Lane in Dunham Massey, and we are confident that leakage has now ceased. This will continue to be closely monitored.
• Amenities for boaters: Additional water has been delivered to the Ye Old No.3 moorings, and temporary toilets and waste disposal facilities are being arranged. A generator, supplied by a moorer, is providing power to boats moored to the right of the visitor moorings, with Bridgewater Canal supplying fuel.
• Planned refloating of boats: We intend to install dams near the breach area to refloat the boats at Ye Old No.3 and other affected vessels. Water control specialists visited site on 6th January to assess the feasibility and time frame for this work.

𝐍𝐞𝐱𝐭 𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐩𝐬:

• Regular monitoring of stoplogs and the earth dam to ensure robust short- and medium-term water retention.
• Investigating the cause of the embankment failure.
• Developing a comprehensive repair strategy and we will be working closely with stakeholders to implement it.

If you or another directly affected party require additional assistance, please email: bridgewatercanal@peel.co.uk or call 0161 629 8432.

We kindly ask the public to stay away from the affected area and respect both canal and towpath closures. Further updates will be shared as more information becomes available.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation,

Peter Parkinson – Director – Bridgewater Canal

09.01.25