An update has been issued on the safety of a canal through Wiltshire after a major incident elsewhere.
A major incident was declared at the Llangollen Canal in Shropshire on Monday, December 22, when a large “sinkhole” breached the waterway.
Over 10 people were rescued as large volumes of water escaped onto nearby land and narrowboats were left stranded or teetering on the edge of the void.
Following this incident, the Wilts & Berks Canal Trust has issued a statement on the measures taken to ensure the safety of its waterway through the county.
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A spokesperson said: “Our thoughts go out to those affected at a major breach at Whitchurch on the Llangollen Canal. Our hearts go out to the boaters who have been affected.
“We would like to assure the community that the Wilts & Berks is safe.
“Over the last two years, in association with Swindon Borough Council, we have repaired our aqueduct at Rushey Platt and implemented a major bank repair scheme to safeguard the canal from failure in Swindon.
“Further stretches at Royal Wootton Bassett and Pewsham have also been checked and had recent maintenance.
“We are not governed by CRT (Canal & River Trust) but have huge admiration for the mammoth task they have looking after the UK's network especially on very restricted funds.”
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