BOATERS trapped by the Bridgewater Canal breach have been released from their moorings.
Many liveaboard boaters and owners of leisure craft found their vessels marooned after the December 31 breach of the canal, which resulted in water draining out of 1.9 miles of the canal either side of the breach at Little Bollington, near Dunham Massey.
Owner of the canal, the Peel Group, has installed temporary dams at Woodhouse Underbridge, Dunham and at Little Bollington, and water has now refilled the affected areas.
The company warned boaters to leave their vessels while the operation was under way.
In a statement, Peter Parkinson, director of the Bridgewater Canal Company, said: “The areas of canal that are currently dewatered, including the moorings at Ye Old No. 3, will naturally start to slowly refill.
“A controlled syphoning will commence and be supervised throughout the day by Bridgewater Canal Company operatives. Please note that this operation will only be carried out during daylight hours.
“While we believe any risk during the controlled refilling and refloating is low, we strongly recommend that boaters vacate their craft during this operation and remain vigilant until the works are completed.”
Refilling was due to take two weeks, and after emergency stoplogs – installed to stop a complete draining of the canal – were removed, boaters would be allowed to leave.
Meanwhile, Cheshire East Council warned the public to avoid the area due to health risks from contamination caused by flooding.
In a statement, the council said: “The council and partner agencies are assessing the environmental, infrastructure, business and economic impacts of the events so that action plans can be developed.
“We have been advised by the Environment Agency of possible contamination following the collapse of the canal.
“Flood water and sediment from the canal has spilled over into the neighbouring area and there may be sediment from the bed of the canal on the towpath and local footpaths. The public should avoid these areas – access to the area of the canal in the immediate area has been closed. This includes the closure of a number of public footpaths.
“Signage is in place to advise of these closures and advising people to stay clear of the site.”
