Descriptions
Update 30 January 2026, 3:42pm
The repairs have now been completed. Over the weekend, we'll be removing the stop planks and carrying out checks as the canals are refilled.
Once the team has finished these final checks, we're hopeful that navigation will reopen on Monday.
A further update will be provided on Monday, 2 February.
Original 22 January 2026, 2:19pm
Over the weekend, we became aware of a leak on the Macclesfield Canal. Our teams were able to trace the source and install a temporary sheet to prevent the situation from becoming more severe.
Our teams returned to site on Tuesday to begin repair works. Unfortunately, since the initial visit, the leak has worsened and a different repair approach is now required. This will involve installing stop planks and a dam, and lowering the water level in the affected section of the canal.
To enable this, stop planks will be installed at Bridge 33 and a dam at the old bridge abutments at Bridge 32 on the morning of Friday 23 January, starting at 8:00am.
We apologise for the short notice. Our teams will do everything possible to keep repair timescales to a minimum. We will provide a further update on or before Friday 30 January.
At this stage, we expect the repairs to take approximately one week, although this will be confirmed once the affected section has been dewatered and repairs are underway.
