Breach on the Middlewich Branch of the Shroppie

There has been a serious canal breach on the Middlewich branch which will prevent any boats from using it for some time.  There are more details on the C&RT website here.  There are 15-20 boats trapped in the drained section and one of them is Jenny Wren, managed by Carefree Cruising. She is due to be at the Boat Share Show in Braunston in 5 weeks time, so hopefully she can be rescued and make the trip south.

Jenny Wren in happier times

We've also heard that Rowington (BCBM) and Kingfisher (Carefree Cruising) are stuck the wrong side of the breach, so will have to take the long route home.  There are likely to be a few more remote handovers as a result of the breach.

If your holiday is yet to come and you had intended cruising the Four Counties Ring, that's definitely a non-starter at the moment. The Trent and Mersey and the main line of the Shroppie are not affected, but the only link between the two is along the Staffs & Worcs from Great Haywood to Autherley Junction.  You may need to alter your plans.