Grand Western Canal bank collapses under weight of water

THE Grand Western Canal breached its banks after a large chunk of its embankment collapsed following heavy rainfall across Mid Devon.

An eyewitness said the void left in the bank between Halberton and Sampford Peverell was so large it could accommodate Tiverton Town Hall.

He said: "This part of the canal is built up with steep banks both sides and I have been told the Canal Rangers were worried about it collapsing so they put in stopper boards in either side.

"But the bank did collapse, and you could put Tiverton Town Hall in the gap that has been left three times over – it is massive."

Devon County Council is warning residents in Halberton to be aware of the potential of further risk of flooding this today and tomorrow.

The canal breached some parts of its banks and is discharging water to the north side.

Whilst this does not pose an immediate threat, further rainfall tomorrow might make the situation worse, the council said.

Highways teams are doing their best to seal the areas where water is leaking and are keeping the situation under review.

Large operation mounted to stabilise Grand Western Canal banks in Halberton after extensive flood damage

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