Now the tunnels are collapsing

HARD on the heels of the many collapsing culverts, it is now tunnels that are failing, with Barnton Tunnel closed yesterday (Tuesday) on the Trent & Mersey Canal.

This is just down the waterway from the major breach at Dutton that closed the canal for many months, and it has been discovered that there is very loose and damaged brickwork inside the tunnel that is considered dangerous, so Canal & Rive Trust had no option but to close it for better inspection that will take place today, Keith Gudgin tells us.

Three tunnels

There are three tunnels on this western end of the waterway within six miles—Saltersford Tunnel  and Preston Brook Tunnel as well as Barnton, and we understand all are to be rigorously inspected.

It is expected that more information will be released about the length of closure this week.  In the meantime Keith remarks that there is a shop in Rugeley that sells tin hats, and thinks he had better get one before he ventures through Harecastle later.  Seemingly good advice!