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Couple fear business collapse as Bridgewater Canal repairs remain unstarted
Overview
A husband and wife running a boat-fuel supply business on the Bridgewater Canal warn their company is becoming unsustainable due to delays in repairing a collapsed embankment near Little Bollington in Cheshire. The canal burst its banks on New Year's Day 2025, but repair work has not yet begun, leaving local businesses and boat owners frustrated by the lack of progress and communication from the Bridgewater Canal Company, owned by Peel Holdings.
Key points
- A collapsed embankment on the Bridgewater Canal in Cheshire, which burst during heavy rain on New Year's Day 2025, has still not been repaired.
- Business owners Liam Hewlett and Kerry Dainty warn that their narrowboat fuel-supply company is losing money and facing potential closure due to the prolonged blockage.
- The Bridgewater Canal Company stated in August that construction was delayed while awaiting reviews and responses from utility providers and the Environment Agency.
- Local residents, boat owners and businesses have expressed frustration over the length of time taken to address the breach and the limited communication from Peel Holdings.
- While an access road is currently being built to the breach site, no updated date for the start or completion of the repair work has been provided.