Our staff have been out inspecting bridges, embankments and wash walls, assessing the damage and putting together plans for repair - and we hope to provide more detail on the programme before the end of January.
The scale of the damage
The damage caused varies and we hope some sections of affected waterway could be reopened in a matter of weeks. However other stretches, where significant engineering works are needed, are more likely to be closed for several months.
As well as getting everything in place for repairs and rebuilds, the clean-up operation has also swung into action. Our staff, contractors and volunteers have been busy clearing debris, washing down towpaths and cleaning moorings where access allows it.
Volunteer spirit
We're particularly grateful to all the volunteers who have given their time to help their local waterways to recover. There's considerable damage and disruption to parts of the network but, undaunted, volunteers have generously offered their time and support.
One example saw our Huddersfield Towpath Taskforce lend a hand to their counterparts in Brighouse and both groups joined forces on Friday to tidy Cromwell Lock on the Calder & Hebble Navigation. They helped to clear tree branches and other debris blocking the lock and removed rubbish that floodwaters had dropped onto the lockside.
Over on the Rochdale Canal volunteers have also been out removing all the debris and mud from the towpaths at locks 8 and 9 and between 11 and 12. We've been joined by new volunteers at Hebden Bridge – a lovely example of the local community pulling together to help out. Starting from today volunteers will be working with our construction teams to begin repairs to the towpath at lock 8 in Hebden Bridge and lock 18 in Todmorden.
There are still some places where the towpath is covered with slippery mud and we remind everyone to be careful – particularly with icy weather forecast for the coming week.
This map illustrates a generalised view of the areas affected by flooding. More details can be found locally for:
