'Dried up' canal partially refills amid concerns for fish
A canal which “dried up” and led to “fish dying in a few inches of muddy water” has been partially refilled
A canal which “dried up” and led to “fish dying in a few inches of muddy water” has been partially refilled.
Concerns were raised last week that water levels had dropped between the Newtown and Blunder locks of the Stroudwater Navigation.
Local residents say it took six days for workers to turn up after they complained to the canal authority, Environment Agency and Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust about the issue.
“Fish were dying in a few inches of muddy water, plant roots were drying out and insect larvae frying in the sun,” a resident said on Thursday (May 15).
“No visible canal workforce on site,” they said. “We have all tried but their incompetence is breathtaking.”
However, due to the lowering water level a Portadam was installed on Friday afternoon (May 16) and the affected section of canal is now water.
That section of the canal will remain at three-quarters full while repair work is undertaken.
A spokesperson for Cotswold Canals Connected said: “In response to a lowering of water due to an issue with a lock, a Portadam was installed at Blunder Lock by the afternoon of Friday, May 16.
“The section of canal affected is now in water. In order to be able to repair the lock it will remain at three-quarters full.
“Following the repair, the canal will be restored to its usual level.
“Volunteers continue to work on this issue, under the direction of the Environment Agency, which has noted the situation and is being kept updated.”
Environment Agency officers have been on site and are advising canal bosses.
“Our officers have attended the site earlier this week to assess impacts to fish,” an Environment Agency spokesperson said.
“We have been advising Cotswold Canal Trust who are working on measures to resolve the issues.
“If people see fish in distress they should call our 24/7 hotline on 0800 807060.”