Commenting on this latest breach, Michael Haig, chair of Shrewsbury & North Wales branch of The Inland Waterways Association, said:
“As one of the most popular and heavily used canals on the entire network, the Llangollen Canal has a special place in the hearts of thousands of visitors from both this country and overseas. It also supports businesses, recreation and wellbeing along its 49-mile length, and beyond, with numerous holiday boat hire operators on neighbouring waterways also adding to visitor numbers.
“That’s why, although we appreciate the engineering complexities of repairing the breach itself, we’re calling for multi-agency action to restore full navigation to as much of the canal as possible, including downstream of the breach, so that the waterway can continue to bring economic, social, health and wellbeing benefits to the many communities along its predominantly rural length. For the moment, thanks are certainly due to all who acted so quickly and professionally in what were clearly frightening scenes.”
The Llangollen canal forms part of national water infrastructure. Each failure shuts down the connected system resulting in water supply disruption and harms local economies and in this most recent case, leaves people homeless.
This is why this year IWA has mapped the risks across our 5,000-mile network, and it is clear these risks are growing.
[Photos of the breach site by Jim Forkin]
Notes (updated 24th December 2025):
On 22nd December at about 4:14am, a breach occurred on the Llangollen Canal near the Whitchurch Arm at Whitchurch. The incident was declared a major incident by Shropshire Fire & Rescue Service. Two boats were washed into the breach, with two more positioned dangerously close to the affected area. All affected boaters are safe with alternative accommodation arranged. In close coordination with local emergency services, Canal & River Trust secured the site and installed stop planks at Grindley Brook Lock, along with a water gate to regulate water flow upstream and downstream of the breach, and CRT is now pumping water around the breach. Accommodation for 13 individuals from eight households, including their pets, was arranged through hire boats or hotels in partnership with Shropshire Council. CRT’s licensing teams have been in contact with boaters in the area to identify and address any welfare needs.
Shortly after the occurrence, all locks on the Llangollen Canal were closed, and towpaths in affected areas remain shut for safety. To strengthen containment, two additional dams were installed alongside measures to regulate water around the breach. Pumping operations are underway, with three 6-inch pumps currently in use. These pumps are delivering a maximum overnight discharge of 19 Ml/d, and refilling the downstream section. The Grindley Brook customer service facilities have been temporarily reopened to support ongoing response efforts. CRT will continue monitoring of water levels and structural integrity, including ashing up gates at Hurleston and other key locations. A full investigation as to what may have caused the breach is underway.
