Slough Arm closed

FOLLOWING the closure of the Aylesbury Arm on the Grand Union Canal owing to the collapse of lock wall, now comes the closure of the Slough Arm, owing to the failing of a bridge.

The Slough Arm and towpath is currently closed at Reeds Bridge (2A) due to concerns over the amount of movement of one of the brick built sections which supports this bridge.

Peter Walker, Engineering Manager for the Canal & River Trust, explains:

"On Friday evening we noticed that one of the brick sides that supports Reeds Bridge had significantly moved so for safety reason we have had to temporarily close the canal and towpath around the bridge.

"We're not sure yet what has caused this problem and over the next few weeks we will be carrying a full and thorough investigation and we hope to have the canal and towpath back open as quickly and possible."

It is not known how many boats are trapped on the Arm, but this is by no means such a problem as the Aylesbury Arm lock failure.