This statement was recieved from Tony Harvey BW General Manager West Midlands this morning:
Stourbridge Canal breach update Media statement Friday 19 September 2008 British Waterways Engineers have now completed a full investigation of the Stourbridge breach site. Early indications suggest that the surges in water levels caused by the River Stour flooding in the area of the Stourbridge Town Arm terminus, and due to the extreme weather conditions experienced up to and over the weekend of 6-7 September 2008, resulted in the breach taking place. Plans are coming together for a proposal to re-instate the canal at the earliest opportunity. Whilst the construction aspects of this have been identified and are relatively straightforward, access and site dynamics are still being assessed, therefore the full costs of re-instatement are not yet available. Until we have clear costs it is not possible to advise when the work might be undertaken. The lock flight above Wordsley Junction is fully reinstated giving navigational options to all in the Stourbridge Town Arm, however, the navigation between Wordsley Junction and Stourton locks remains closed. South of the breach, a dam is now in place close to Middle Bridge. Re-watering this section will be through extraction from the River Stour, for which the necessary licence has already been obtained from the Environment Agency. This will also bring back into commission Black Country Narrowboats and the one cruising craft grounded south of the breach. Re-watering will start on Monday 22 September and is hoped to be completed during that week. Assessment is still being undertaken into the integrity of the embankment and condition of the towpath to the north of the breach (south of Wordsley Junction). If, everything is identified as being in an acceptable condition, a dam will be installed just north of the breach itself. This section will then be re-watered and will allow the only remaining craft isolated by the breach to float. This work, if feasible, could take 3-4 weeks, although every effort will be made to do this earlier if possible. A number of incidents of anti-social behaviour in the area have taken place, especially towards boats that have been left stranded by the breach. British Waterways is in consultation with the local police regarding this unacceptable behaviour, to ensure that all reasonable measures are taken to minimise the risk to person or property. British Waterways would like offer a note of thanks to its customers for their continued patience and co-operation, during this challenging time. Customers requiring further information should contact British Waterways West Midlands on: 01827 252000. If you would like more information please contact Annabel Smith, Communications Executive on Tel: 01827 252 036 or Mob: 07823 531418 or contact: Nicky Lister, Marketing and Communications Manager on Tel: 01827 252059 or Mob: 07710 175118 Notes to Editors 1. British Waterways cares for and maintains the nation's 2,200 mile network of canals and inland waterways, working in partnership with private companies, local authorities, voluntary groups and other government agencies to protect and enhance the waterways and benefit the communities through which they run. 2. For more information about all aspects of UK waterways, visit www.waterscape.com
