Canal section closed after breach causes towpath collapse

The Canal and River Trust said it was "extremely difficult to provide a reopening date"

A section of a canal has been closed after a breach on an embankment led to a towpath collapsing and boats being grounded.

The Canal and River Trust said the rupture to Hollowforth Aqueduct on the Lancaster Canal at Woodplumpton, near Preston, on Saturday had left it "severely low on water".

It said the towpath and navigation had been closed between Moons Bridge and Hepgreave Bridge.

A representative said it was "extremely difficult to provide a reopening date" but the priority was to restore water levels.

A breach on the embankment next to Hollowforth Aqueduct led to a towpath collapsing

They said the trust's teams and contractors had "secured dams either side of the affected area" and had completed "a fish rescue" on Monday.

"Our main priority now is to restore the water levels in the canal either side of the dammed stretch and we are in the process of bringing in equipment to enable this," they said.

"Throughout the week, our teams will continue to secure access to the site and co-ordinate with neighbouring landowners so that repairs works can commence."

They added that they wanted to thank boaters "for their patience and support over the weekend".