An appeal to raise funds to repair damage caused by this winter’s heavy rain and gales has already raised £15,000 – but the Canal & River Trust admits that a lot more will be needed to put everything right.
Over 100 fallen trees have already been dealt with, and CRT is keen to point out that the majority of the system is fully navigable. But with sections of the Oxford Canal towpath washed away by overflowing water, the Bridgewater & Taunton embankment damaged by adjacent river floods, and powered locks on the Severn put out of action by water drowning the electrical controls, the Trust could be looking at a £2m total bill.
The two major problems are on the Llangollen, where a breach near Bettisfield was narrowly averted, and the Monmouthshire & Brecon (pictured), where a saturated embankment is still slipping down the hill and needs major engineering to secure it – with reopening not now expected until April.
For the less technical work, CRT is looking to mobilise its volunteer supporters and will be putting information on its website. In the meantime to support the appeal click here.
