CaRT launches flood appeal

THE Canal & River Trust has launched an appeal to help restore the damage to the waterways in the North that have been affected by the recent floods.

As the flood water receded it soon became apparent that there would be great cost to repairing the damage to bridges, embankments, towpaths and waterway banks.

Significant engineering works

Though some sections of affected waterway could be reopened in a matter of weeks, others however needed significant engineering works to repair and could be closed for several months.

Richard Parry, Chief Executive of the Canal & River Trust comments:

"Many people, including our supporters and boaters, were faced with some of the worst flooding the country has seen. Homes, businesses, canal banks and towpaths were destroyed.

"We have been assessing the extensive damage wreaked by the floods and putting together plans for repair. Many stretches of towpath have been closed. We need to rebuild them, so we can continue to provide much needed places for people to escape to, now more than ever.

"It is going to be no easy task to repair all of the damage done by the floods, but with so many communities rallying together to make this happen, we know we are not alone.

"It's been wonderful to see people cutting short their festive breaks to get involved, joining our team to clean towpaths and restore as much access as possible. Their help has given us a clearer picture of the scale of the damage and what urgently needs attention.

"We are exploring all funding sources, including Government grants, to help us with the clean-up. To support this we are today launching a targeted fundraising appeal to raise vital funds for re-building the waterways in those communities that have been most impacted.

"The kindness and spirit of those that have helped so far has shown what can be achieved in the face of adversity. Help us rebuild canals in the heart of flood-hit communities by making a donation today."

To find out more about the appeal:

www.canalrivertrust.org.uk/donate/flood-appeal/