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Stourbridge Canal breach

8th Sep 2008

During the early hours of Sunday 7 September 2008, a breach occurred on the Stourbridge Canal from Middle Bridge to Wordsley Aqueduct, where a 20 metre section of bank gave way. Just over a two mile stretch of canal was de-watered, which includes the area from Stourbridge Locks to the top of Stourton and also includes the Stourbridge Town Arm.

Engineers from British Waterways West Midlands were immediately called to site to assess the options for repair and are at present carrying out a full investigation into the breach. An annual inspection of the Stourbridge Canal was carried out on 5 September 2008, where no issues of concern were raised.

The site of the breach is a predominately rural area, therefore, any damage at this stage seems fairly localised. A total of 65 mega litres of water has been lost, with most of the escaping water flowing into the River Stour. The Environment Agency who manage the River Stour have been notified.

Approximately 15 boats have been grounded on the Stourbridge Canal along with more than 20 boats on the Stourbridge Town Arm. British Waterways have installed stop planks at Wordsley Junction, to enable a controlled re-watering of the Stourbridge Town Arm, this is currently taking place and should be complete by the end of the week. British Waterways is currently in touch with boaters affected by this breach.

One local business, Black Country Narrowboats has been cut off due to the breach, however, British Waterways engineers are currently looking into the possibility of installing a temporary dam by Middle bridge, on the Stourbridge Canal, which will enable the area where the business operates to be re-watered.

The navigation and towpath are both currently closed between Stourton and Stourbridge locks and at present, the breach section is anticipated to remain closed for a period of approximately four months, however, this timescale may be revised. At present no cause for the breach has been identified.

Customers requiring further information should contact British Waterways West Midlands on 01827 252000.

Last updated: 22/10/2008