UK · 2 August 2026
What can't 453 million pounds fix on canals?
Ageing Victorian-era locks are draining canals across England despite 453 million pounds in government support running to 2037. Several lock flights, including Atherstone in Warwickshire, have closed or restricted boats this week, with the Shropshire Union Canal down 8 inches over 30 miles. Canal and River Trust's Matthew Symonds said the network needs 'sustained rain over a number of weeks to recover.'
Reported by BBC · How we write briefs
