Collapse of the Bridgewater Canal

Guidance and advice following the collapse of the Bridgewater Canal in Little Bollington.

Further information will be added as it becomes available. 

We continue to work closely with partner agencies as part of the recovery operation.

What happened at the canal

Significant rainfall resulted in flooding and the collapse of the Bridgewater Canal in Little Bollington, near Dunham Massey, on New Year’s Day 2025.

The flooding was classified as a major incident, with a multi-agency response by local partners.

Emergency stoplogs – which are designed to cut off or stop the flow of water – were installed at Adgen and Dunham by the Bridgewater Canal Company, which is part of the Peel Group, to isolate the affected section. This led to around 1.9 miles (3kms) of the canal being drained of water.

This action also prevented a full loss of the canal and helped to stop further flooding which had been caused by extreme weather leading up to the incident.

In order to avoid potential health risks, the public are currently advised to avoid the area.

The current situation

The Bridgewater Canal Company is working with specialists to install dams near to where the canal collapsed so that boats impacted by the water being drained can be ‘refloated’.

Further information about the timeframe for this work to take place will be added to this page once updates are available.

The stoplogs and the earth dam continue to be monitored and the investigation into the cause of the collapse of the canal embankment is ongoing.

The council and partner agencies are assessing the environmental, infrastructure, business and economic impacts of the events so that action plans can be developed.

Safety of the public

We have been advised by the Environment Agency of possible contamination following the collapse of the canal.

Flood water and sediment from the canal has spilled over into the neighbouring area and there may be sediment from the bed of the canal on the towpath and local footpaths.

The public should avoid these areas - access to the area of the canal in the immediate area has been closed. This includes the closure of a number of public footpaths.

Signage is in place to advise of these closures and advising people to stay clear of the site.

See the map on our interactive mapping

 

If you have visited the affected area and feel unwell

Anyone who has accessed these areas along the affected stretch of canal and is feeling unwell, should use NHS 111 online as the first point of contact for non-urgent medical advice, call 111, or visit your local pharmacy.

Drinking water is not affected by this incident.

If you have been impacted by the incident and need support

Any affected boaters, who need further assistance are asked to contact the Bridgewater Canal team, by email or calling 0161 629 8432.

Anyone in the Little Bollington area impacted by the incident and needing assistance from the council should contact: 0300 123 5500.