Plans for Grand Western breach

PLANS are already being drawn up for the repair of the breach on the Grand Western Canal, that gave way after days of persistent rain, virtually cutting the waterway in half.

Altogether 20 families had to be evacuated as the water poured from the breached canal into nearby houses at Halberton, Alan Tilbury tells us.

Linear park

The canal was restored in 1971 as a linear park, forming part of the West Country Way, having very few boats, with the exception of a horse drawn trip boat.

It has been revealed that the repair will cost its owners, Devon County Council, several million pounds, but with the council only having pledged £10,000, it seems there will be no quick repair, if at all. Unless of course there could be funding from central government.  In the meantime Friends of the Grand Western have included a donations page on their website.