WATER was ‘purposefully drained’ from the Middlewich Branch of the Shropshire Union canal leaving holidaymakers and live-aboard boaters high and dry.
Waterways charity, the Canal and River Trust, said the incident reported on Monday, August 3, was not isolated, confirming it has had to deal with other similar occurrences recently.
Middlewich Police also confirmed it is aware of reports the canal had been purposely drained.
It came at a time when water levels are already extremely low, to the extent a full navigation stoppage has been in force on the Trent & Mersey canal between Kidsgrove and Middlewich since Saturday, July 25.
The Shropshire Union Middlewich Branch is itself subject to navigation restrictions, meaning boat movements are only possible between lock 1, Wardle Lock, and lock 4, Cholmondeston Lock, between 9am and 3pm daily.
These restrictions came into force on Thursday, July 30, and will be reviewed again on or before Friday, August 7.
Alan Garner, team leader at waterways charity Canal & River Trust, said: “The summer’s hot weather and lack of rain means our charity is doing all we can to save water and transfer the flow that is available to the right places on the network to meet demand.
“We are also dealing with the after-effects of people purposefully draining water from the Middlewich Branch which, unfortunately, isn’t the first time this has happened recently.
"Our team have been out and refilled the pound, but restrictions remain in place and navigation will be closed between Lock 1, Wardle Lock, and Lock 4, Cholmondeston Lock, from 3pm until 9am daily, due to the low water levels at Barbridge Pound caused by the continued dry weather.
“Our teams are working tirelessly to keep the levels from falling and if anyone notices any sudden changes to please call our North West Customer Team on 03030 404040.”
Purposely opening lock paddles with the intention of draining the water can lead to criminal prosecution for offences including criminal damage, interference with waterways property, and environmental crimes.
A Middlewich Police spokesman said: “It is a pretty worrying time for people who live, work, and enjoy our Middlewich waterway.
“As far as I am aware, a stop was put on a short length of canal to stop the movement of narrowboats and allow water to be at a stable level.
“Unfortunately, someone opened a lock and all the water disappeared.
“Some boaters were worried their boats would topple, but they are a stoic lot and despite the worry, remained positive.”
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