Macclesfield Breach No.1 to reopen this month

IT WAS WAY BACK on the 28th March we were told of a breach on the Macclesfield Canal.

That ultimately proved to be the first of three, this one between Cowley Bridge 51 and Bosley Lock 12, Keith Gudgin reports.

Reached agreement for access

But it was not until early May that the trust successfully reached agreements with neighbouring landowners to gain access to the breach site.

Work was then set to begin on creating an access track and site compound.

Yesterday, Friday we were informed that contractors had successfully rebuilt the damaged embankment using compacted puddle clay and suitable excavated material.

It sees this as a significant milestone, telling it restores the structural integrity of the canal and helps to ensure its long-term stability.

Pilings

At present metal pilings are being driven into the ground to reinforce the canal edge, protecting the embankment from future erosion.

The trust confirms it remains on track to reopen the canal to navigation on 25th June, provided of course no unforeseen issues arise.