Floods cause significant damage

THE recent flooding of the northern waterways has caused significant damage, especially to bridges, that need urgent repair and in some cases being completely rebuilt.

As the Calder, Hebble and Aire have flooded, all part of the navigable waterways, the  flood waters have not only damaged the infrastructure, but caused many landslips and damage to embankments, that face significant repair.

Landslip and breach

Adjoining canals such as the Rochdale have too suffered considerably, with a landslip between locks 15 and 16, though a channel has been opened to allow the water to flow. But worse, a breach between locks between Locks 16 and 17 at Todmorden, meaning the waterway will need extensive work to bring it back into use. Picture by Rod Baker.

Of the damage, Richard Parry, Chief Executive, explained:

"As floodwaters recede the full impact of the damage caused is gradually becoming clearer and it's already apparent that we face a major programme of repairs.

"However, it's clear that this is just the beginning and there is much to be done over the coming weeks and months to get things back to normal in those places hardest hit. We'll work together with local councils and partner organisations, as well as community groups and volunteers, to restore normal order as quickly as possible."