In the Spotlight: Bridgewater Canal Breach

Tuesday 7 January

It’s been a challenging start to 2025 for the boat owners at Little Bollington

The impact of heavy rain and widespread flooding across the region over the New Year period has been challenging for all of us – but spare a thought for the boat owners at Little Bollington who’ve had an addional major incident to deal with: The collapse of the Bridgewater Canal embankment at Dunham Massey on New Year’s Day.

Photo: MIX56. Images in this article have been published with the agreement of the boat owners at Little Bollington.

As yet, the cause of the embankment failure is not clear – but engineers from the Bridgewater Canal Company Ltd (Peel) have been on site in recent days making assessments and temporary arrangements.

But one thing is for sure, major repairs will be required to restore the canal and it is thought that the project could take a number of years.

Meanwhile on Sunday (5th January) a number of local Politicians including Tatton MP, Esther McVey met with those impacted by the breach and took away an action plan to provide immediate support that will be progressed in due course.

Meanwhile, a crowdfunding campaign has been launched to raise £750 towards social welfare and for running the temporary commercial generator being used at Little Bollington. You can support the appeal here.

MIX56 Meets the Boat Owners

Smithy went to meet boat owners Paul and Michelle who gave us an insight onto their current experiences.

You can listen again here:

Listen Again: Paul and Michelle

070125 SMITHY CHAT WITH BRIDGEWATER CANAL BOAT OWNERS PAUL AND MICHELLE ian

Please respect the privacy of the boat owners

Cllr Graham Gowland indicated on his official Facebook Page: In a once-in-a-lifetime event such as this, it is natural for people to be curious and want to see the impact of the devastation for themselves.

But if you do decide to take a look, please keep to the open section of the towpath (not on the Ye Old Number 3 side) and please respect the boat owners, some of whom are living aboard in very difficult circumstances.

The towpath has now been closed and officials have requested that members of the public no longer go beyond the barrier that is in place.

Esther McVey MP For Tatton

Ian caught up with Esther McVey at her office in Westminster yesterday (6th January) to discuss the situation and the action plan that is being proposed.

Esther McVey has been vocal for many years with Cheshire East Council highlighting issues with blocked drains in the region – and will continue to fight for action on this front.

You can listen again here: