A major embankment failure on the Llangollen Canal at Whitchurch has led to the closure of a key section of the waterway while emergency services and engineers assess the damage and plan repairs.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Monday 22 December 2025, close to New Mills Lift Bridge, and resulted in a large loss of water from the canal and disruption to both navigation and towpath access.
What happened
Emergency services were alerted shortly after 4.20am following reports that part of the canal bank had collapsed. The failure allowed a significant volume of water to escape into surrounding land, creating a substantial void in the canal structure.
Three boats were affected by the collapse. Fire crews assisted more than ten people to safety, and authorities confirmed that no injuries were reported.
Although early descriptions referred to a “sinkhole”, engineers have since clarified that the incident is more accurately described as an embankment failure.
Emergency response
Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service declared a major incident shortly after 5.15am, citing unstable ground conditions and the continued movement of water as significant hazards.
Crews established safety cordons and worked to stabilise the area, using canal infrastructure such as barge boards and water-control systems to limit further water loss. By mid-morning, the situation was considered stable and emergency rescue operations were stood down.
A coordinated multi-agency response involved fire, police, ambulance services, local authority emergency planners, the Environment Agency and the Canal & River Trust.
Boaters displaced by the incident were supported locally, with temporary welfare arrangements put in place.
Canal closures and navigation impact
The Canal & River Trust confirmed that it dammed off the affected section of canal and closed both the navigation and towpath in the area as a precaution.
The emergency closure affects the stretch between Grindley Brook Locks and the Whitchurch by-pass bridge, and boaters are advised not to attempt passage until further notice.
CRT has said safety is the immediate priority while engineers assess the full extent of the damage.
Canal & River Trust response
The Trust has confirmed that initial investigations are under way but has stressed that it is too early to identify the precise cause of the embankment failure.
Engineers will carry out a detailed inspection once the site is fully accessible and damaged boats have been recovered. The Trust has also reiterated that it operates a regular inspection regime across its network, and that the findings of this investigation will inform the repair strategy.
What is not yet known
At the time of writing, there is:
- no confirmed cause of the embankment failure
- no published timetable for repairs
- no date for reopening the canal or towpath
The Canal & River Trust has said further updates will be issued as assessments progress.
Advice for boaters and towpath users
Boaters and members of the public are advised to:
- avoid the affected section of the Llangollen Canal
- observe closure notices and safety cordons
- rely on official updates rather than speculation
The Trust has encouraged those affected by the closure to contact it directly for navigation advice and support.
Details are based on statements from Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service, the Canal & River Trust and local news reports as of 23 December 2025.
