A section of the embankment containing the Middlewich Branch of the Shropshire Union canal has collapsed overnight, causing water from the canal to drain into the river below.
Emergency engineers from the Canal & River Trust have been on site all night dealing with the breach. The canal has been drained for over three-quarters of a mile, and the towpath has been closed alongside this stretch
Between 15 to 20 boats are within the drained section. All boat owners will be contacted by the Canal & River Trust, who will offer assistance.
There is not yet an estimate of the likely timescale and cost of repairs.
One householder has been affected, with “minor damage to their garden”.
A man was also seen saving a carp from the drained canal, rehoming it in a nearby canal.
More updates will follow.
