Canal closed as bridge collapses

From the archive, first published Saturday 17th Mar 2007.

The Leeds-Liverpool Canal has been closed at Shipley after a swing bridge collapsed.

British Waterways engineers are assessing the problem at Hirst Bridge.

Laurence Morgan, general manager of British Waterways, Yorkshire, said they were looking at alternative routes for nearby businesses and householders and trying to repair the bridge to allow the canal to re-open for boating traffic.

He said: "We apologise for the inconvenience caused by problems with the bridge which have occurred because one of the steel beam supports has given way making it inoperable.

"We are working hard to secure an access route for properties on the north side of the canal.

"We will have men at the bridge between 11am and 1pm at the weekend to open the swing bridge to allow any boaters through who wish to pass."

The plan of action will be reviewed on Monday.