Temporary dams in place as Lancaster Canal breach near Preston to be tackled

A section of the canal closed near the Moons Bridge Marina swing bridge Pic: Dan Hulme

Temporary dams have been put in place as work to repair a breach on an embankment in the Lancaster Canal continues.

Canal Rivers Trust Lancaster gave an update during Sunday (21 July) morning following work taking place throughout Saturday.

Part of the embankment close to the Moons Bridge Marina gave way between Friday evening and Saturday morning leading to water cascading into a nearby brook at Woodplumpton.

A statement from Canal River Trust Lancaster said: “It’s fair to say that it’s been a busy weekend so far.

“We have successfully dammed the bridges either side of the breach at our Aqueduct. This will enable us to make a critical plan on works intended, with clear project. Water is being fed continuously from Killington.

“First and foremost, we have to ensure categorically that any area that we work, in any operating capacity is safe for you as public and for property – logistically and historically, sometimes prohibits these actions in you’re [sic] timely manner.

“We are asking you, please do not go past the barriers and signs, we understand people want to see and want an opportunity to post – but it’s dangerous and we are trying to make the whole area safe.

“Our assets are 200 years old, the rate of land erosion in the UK at present is phenomenal so please stop blaming each other – it’s sad to read when users are arguing/blaming amongst themselves.

“Big shout to the services, Environment Agency, stakeholders and volunteers for direct support and offers of help and assistance amazing response.”

One of the dams near the bridges Pic: Dan Hulme

An Environment Agency spokesperson said: “Our officers have been out investigating reports of significant silt pollution in the River Wyre and other watercourses.

“The source was an embankment breach on the Lancaster Canal near Woodplumpton. We are liaising with the Canal & Rivers Trust – who have been working on a repair – and have offered our support.

“Our Fisheries officers are out today assessing any environmental impacts. You can report any environmental impacts to us on our incident hotline 0800807060.”

Marinas along the stretch of the canal have been putting in ‘stop planks’ to dam water into their marinas.

The water level on the canal has dropped considerably in the last 24-hours, leaving many boats stranded.

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