Support continues for those affected by the Whitchurch canal breach
Shropshire Council and its partner agencies continue to support all those who have been affected by the recent canal breach in Whitchurch.
Those in need of help or accommodation are being helped by the council’s housing and welfare teams who are available 24/7 to respond to urgent needs.
A council leaflet with key contact numbers and support information will be distributed directly to those impacted.
Following the emergency response yesterday, the council, in partnership with the Canal & River Trust, continues to work closely with residents and boaters to ensure everyone receives the assistance they need during the recovery period.
The canal towpath near the breach site remains closed for safety reasons, and the public is urged not to attempt to bypass barriers or enter closed areas.
Heather Kidd, leader of the council, said:
“We’re continuing to work closely with our partner agencies as clearly this incident will take some time to fully resolve.
“There have been so many involved in responding at pace: from our emergency planners who have led the co-ordination of the council’s response, to our housing team and social care teams who have been working to ensure that those affected are safe and well, and to find temporary accommodation for them, both in the short and longer term.
“Our highways teams have been helping to ensure that the site is secured and that access is limited, to ensure the safety of local residents. We understand that people needs may change as they come to terms with their situation and to encourage residents to contact us for support as needed over the coming weeks.
“I would like to thank all of those who have acted so swiftly and professionally in what was clearly a very frightening situation.”
Matthew Symonds, head of boating and customer service at The Canal and River Trust, said:
“Our priority has been to ensure that everyone is safe and offer what support we can to those most affected. Our partners at the Council have ensured emergency accommodation both at local hotels and on some canal hire boats. This includes the people on the four boats at the breach site as well as their pets.
“We have been installing temporary dams so that we can start to refloat six further boats not immediately in the breach site as well as the process of identifying the cause of the breach and the work to rebuild the canal which will take some time and considerable cost.”
Housing Options and Homelessness
Shropshire Council’s Housing service offer support and help to those who are homeless or worried about becoming homeless and will give advice based on individual circumstances.
At Whitchurch, anyone who feels unable to remain on their canal boat, should contact the team via 0345 678 9005. This service is 24/7 over 365 days a year and we will be operating an Out of Hours service during Christmas and New Year and are on stand-by to provide support. Please also visit the website for more general advice and assistance – Housing options and homelessness | Shropshire Council
Welfare Support
Those impacted by the canal breach who are struggling to meet essential living costs, may find help from our local welfare provision funding.
The quickest way to apply is to call 0345 678 9078 (and select option 2) between 8.45am and 5pm on a Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday or between 10am and 5pm on a Wednesday, to make an application. The team will be operating with skeleton staff over Christmas and New Year but will discuss any concerns people may have.
Support for mental health and emotional wellbeing
NHS 111 is available for people of all ages who may need support with their mental health. Please call 111 or visit www.111.nhs.uk and selecting the mental health option.
Anyone experiencing a life-threatening emergency, please call 999.
Further information about support is available via the following link: Mental health | Shropshire Council
