Macclesfield Canal is expected to reopen soon following a breach.

The Canal and River Trust has provided a positive update on the repairs taking place near Bosley Locks.

It follows a breach on March 28 caused by a leak on the canal bed between Bridge 51, Cowley Bridge and Bosley Lock 12.

The rebuilding is now taking place, with the canal expected to be back open by the end of the month.

Simon Harding, a project manager at CRT, said: "We're pleased to get the repair works underway and we're aiming to reopen the canal by the end of June.

"There are some unique challenges involved in a repair of this scale and we'll keep people updated on our progress.

"We know how important the Macclesfield Canal is to boaters and local people, and we would like to thank everyone for their patience and support whilst this work is being carried out.

"In the meantime, we're asking everyone to stay safe and keep away from the breach site until the repairs are complete."

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Boats had to be moved away from the breach area (Credit: Emma Culshaw Bell)

Immediately following the breach, CRT's emergency team helped to move around 15 boats away from the area and installed stop planks to prevent any further loss of water.

A fish rescue was carried out and temporary dams were put in place, as well flumes to transfer water through the breach site to allow the charity's staff to manage water resources and maintain the canal's water levels. 

As the site is a remote, rural location, contractors have built a 400m-long metal track and created ramps to the canal bed to allow vehicles and machinery to safely gain access and start work.

Excavation works to the embankment, towpath and canal bed have been completed and CRT engineers are finalising the repair design.

Macclesfield Canal two days after the breach was first reported (Credit: Carol Capper)

Works to rebuild the canal bed are now in progress.

These will involve lining the bed with clay and compacting it, followed by testing to ensure it is watertight.

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The damaged wall of the culvert, which channels a stream under the canal, will also be repaired, while metal sheeting will be installed along the wall of the canal to strengthen it.

 The towpath will then be reinstated with new surfacing, fencing and hedging.

All the works are due to be completed by Wednesday, June 25.