Canal Teams Clear Tree Hazard As Winter Arrives Early

4 November 2008

Maintenance teams from British Waterways moved quickly to clear fallen trees as winter paid an early visit to the Llangollen Canal this week – just a week ahead of the annual maintenance season.

The weight of a heavy overnight snowfall brought down a number of old trees at two locations along the canal – between Chirk Tunnel and Chirk Marina, and at Fron Bridge near Llangollen – closing sections of towpath.
British Waterways Wales & Border Counties General Manager Julie Sharman said teams were on site immediately, cutting up and moving the fallen trees, which also represented a hazard to boat traffic on the canal.

"The towpath was closed along these points for less than 24 hours between Wednesday and Thursday while the fallen trees were removed," said Ms Sharman.

"Standing trees were also assessed to ensure the weight of snow on their branches did not pose a significant risk of them falling too," she added.

The stoppage season begins throughout Wales & Border Counties next week, heralding six months of maintenance and improvement works. This works aims to ensure the hugely popular Llangollen Canal and the other waterways in the region are ready will be ready for the new visitor season in spring 2009.

ENDS