Canal and River Trust issues statement after major incident

On Monday, December 22, a major incident was been declared in Whitchurch, Shropshire, after part of the historic waterway was swallowed up.

In an update, the Canal and River Trust has said their teams are on-site and investigating the damage.

A spokesperson for the said: “A breach on the Llangollen Canal near New Mills Lift Bridge, Whitchurch, happened in the early hours of this morning (22 December).

“Our teams are on site and have dammed off the affected section of canal. The priority is the safety of boaters and those in the immediate area. The towpath and canal at this point are now closed to public access.

The scene in Whitchurch, where a sinkhole has opened up in the canal. (Image: Andy Hall)

“We are carrying out initial investigations into the possible cause of the breach and will provide more details in due course. We will also seek to restore water levels either side of the breach as soon as possible and are providing support to the boaters affected and those in the immediate area either side of the breach.

“If your boating plans, access, or business operations have been disrupted by this incident, please get in touch with us on 0303 040 4040 or email enquiries.westmidlands@canalrivertrust.org.uk”

The incident saw emergency services rush to the scene the Shropshire Tactical Co-ordination Group, and a dozen people evacuated.

As reported in the Whitchurch Herald, emergency services have not reported any casualties although residents are being asked to “avoid the area”.

A spokesperson for West Mercia Police said: “A major incident had been declared in Shropshire following reports of a sinkhole affecting a canal in the Chemistry area of Whitchurch.

“Emergency services are currently on scene, and a multi-agency response has been set up, co-ordinated through the Shropshire Tactical Co-ordination Group (TCG).

“There are currently no reports of any casualties, and residents are being assisted by the fire service.

“We ask that people avoid the area and seek alternate routes. Further updates will be provided when we are able to do so.”

Shropshire Fire and Rescue also asked residents to avoid the area while their crews attended the scene.

A spokesperson for Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service said: "Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service is responding to a landslip affecting the canal in the Whitchurch area.

"For everyone’s safety, members of the public are kindly asked to remain away from the affected area, including Whitchurch Marina, while crews and partners manage the incident."