Canal Bank Breach Floods Homes in Shropshire

A canal bank has been breached, flooding two homes, after a pipe carrying water underneath it collapsed. The incident occurred on the Llangollen Canal at Hampton Bank in Shropshire.

The Canal and River Trust (CRT) said it is responding to the incident along with infrastructure partner, Kier. The affected section of canal has been closed, and emergency works are underway to slow the flow of water into a neighbouring field.

According to the CRT, two nearby properties have been affected by flooding. The trust stated it is in direct contact with the residents, providing support and assistance. An investigation is underway to establish the cause of the collapse.

Water company United Utilities said there was no impact on water supply. Mark Durham, principal engineer at the CRT, said a "huge amount" of water had left the canal unplanned. He added that the breach was contained by 13:30 GMT and that an investigation into the cause will be launched.

Stephen Court, who runs YouTube channel Court Above the Cut and is an ambassador for the CRT, said he believed the culvert had been blocked and teams had been jetting it in order to clear it. He said the canal was built 220 years ago and the material is very sandy and soily, which washes out when touched by water. Court added that he believes years of underfunding has pushed the CRT, and that these incidents will continue to happen if funding does not increase.

The breach comes after a major collapse on the canal in Whitchurch nearly 11 months ago, which saw millions of litres of water cascading onto nearby land and left boats swallowed up in a deep trench. Liberal Democrat Councillor Sarah Marston said the CRT is supporting the people affected in nearby houses, along with Shropshire Council.