Middlewich Branch breach - Shropshire Union

[lostnortherner]

Middlewich branch closed from Stanthorne to Wardle. Large breach last night by River Wheelock.

Everyone safe at this moment afaik

[rgreg]

That is very bad news 

[frangar]

Just seen this on Facebook. Think it’s on the middlewhich arm

Edited to change location

Edited March 16, 2018 by frangar
Location

[cheshire~rose]

This is just awful. I suspect the waterlogged ground may have had something to do with it but it is at the wrong time of year for such a major breach to have occurred.

 

[frangar]

It’s going to put a dent in the plans of those going the the port for easter. Can’t seem to find any other info at the moment. 

Heres the Facebook link

https://www.facebook.com/groups/MiddlewichCommunityGroup/permalink/1808617832521966/

[cheshire~rose]

Why do I think that there is already somebody arranging a convoy of historic craft on the Manchester Ship Canal?

 

I guess it is a great excuse to do it but possibly too little time for many to change their plans and route

[nicknorman]

Just for clarity it seems to be near Middlewich, not Nantwich (so on the Middlewich branch).

[cheshire~rose]

Ah.. yes perhaps my geography was somewhat lacking there, apologies if I mislead anyone

This photo shows the extend of it:

 

Edited March 16, 2018 by cheshire~rose

[frangar]

4 minutes ago, nicknorman said:

Just for clarity it seems to be near Middlewich, not Nantwich (so on the Middlewich branch).

I’ve been trying to see where it was! If anyone can narrow it die then feel free. I’m on a iffy mobile connection  

 

[nicknorman]

The Middlewich branch crosses the Wheelock just west of Middlewich. The SU main line doesn’t cross the Wheelock. I presume it’s here:

 

[AndrewIC]

2 minutes ago, frangar said:

I’ve been trying to see where it was! If anyone can narrow it die then feel free. I’m on a iffy mobile connection  

 

Just below Stanthorne Lock.

[nicknorman]

6 minutes ago, cheshire~rose said:

Ah.. yes perhaps my geography was somewhat lacking there, apologies if I mislead anyone

This photo shows the extend of it:

 

 

I bet that boater is relieved that his boat didn’t get washed down the breach! Probably spilled his tea though!

[frangar]

I’ve reported my post so hopefully a mod can edit the title! Sorry to give wrong location.  

[john6767]

1 minute ago, frangar said:

I’ve reported my post so hopefully a mod can edit the title! Sorry to give wrong location.  

I don’t think that is an incorrect location, just not specific.  If does seem as though it is the Niddlewich branch, which is going to be a big issue given the assumption that this will take many months to fix.

[rgreg]

Standthorne Lock to Wardle Lock

Notice Details

From Date:

16th March 2018 at 08:00

To Date:

until further notice

Type:

Navigation Closure

Reason:

Structure failure

Is Towpath Closed?

Yes

Description:

As a consequence of an embankment failure the navigation and towpath is closed until further notice.

Further updates and information to follow once our engineers have had the opportunity to fully assess the situation.

Location:

Middlewich Branch (Shrop Union Canal)

Starts At:

Lock 2, Stanthorne Lock

Ends At:

Lock 1, Wardle Lock

Up Stream Winding Hole:

Between Brickyard Bridge B6 and Railway Bridge B5

Down Stream Winding Hole:

Middlewich Junction

Edited March 16, 2018 by rgreg

[Alan de Enfield]

Tragic - That'll put a stop on boating for much of this year.

Wonder when C&RT will put out a call for 'repair donations'.

[nicknorman]

13 minutes ago, frangar said:

I’ve reported my post so hopefully a mod can edit the title! Sorry to give wrong location.  

Well the title is correct, it is the Shropshire Union Canal. Middlewich branch thereof!

[john6767]

So how much water has been lost from this, has it drained the SU Main Line from Hack Green to Bunbury as well as the eastern end of the Middlewich branch, or are there stop gates at Barbridge for example?

[frangar]

1 minute ago, nicknorman said:

Well the title is correct, it is the Shropshire Union Canal. Middlewich branch thereof!

Indeed!! But it might be helpful to know it’s not the mainline......

Thankfully my friends boat that’s moored at the bottom of his garden looks to have settled upright!! 

[Señor Chris]

15 minutes ago, john6767 said:

Niddlewich

Now I am confused.

[john6767]

Ah looking at the stoppage I have the wrong location of this, it is the other end of the Middlewich branch

[tizzy]

Well that's stuffed our plans for Easter and probably the summer as well 

[BEngo]

More on this in the thread in General Boating.

N

[nicknorman]

1 minute ago, john6767 said:

Ah looking at the stoppage I have the wrong location of this, it is the other end of the Middlewich branch

Yes a relatively short pound through Middlewich.

[Hudds Lad]

its between the first two locks as you come up from the Trent & Mersey onto the Middlewich branch, or between bridges 27 & 28 if you like.

So lucky nobody was hurt really