Compensation call over canal leak

Market Drayton's mayor today called on canal bosses to give compensation to businesses hit by a slump in trade while work to repair a leak is carried out.

Councillor Roy Aldcroft said he was writing to British Waterways seeking talks on whether there was any help for people affected by the closure of the Shropshire Union Canal at the Shebdon embankment while the leak is repaired.

Councillor Aldcroft, who is also chairman of the town's Chamber of Trade, said businesses were losing thousands of pounds a week because of the closure.

"It's basically just to ask if there are any arrangements or if they are prepared to discuss arrangements for compensation for key establishments, in particular the canalside businesses that have been seriously affected," he said.

It comes after traders whose businesses rely on summer trade from canal users called for compensation at a recent meeting of Audlem Parish Council

John Clayton, spokesman for British Waterways, said it could not discuss individual claims publicly.

Councillor Aldcroft also said he was hoping to attend a meeting with British Waterways officials and members of Audlem Parish Council next week to discuss the impact of the work.

The parish council has written to British Waterways to express "great concern" over the effect the closure was having on businesses in the village.

Julie Sharman, British Waterways general manager, Wales and Border Counties, said: "The timing of the emergency closure is regrettable if unavoidable.

"I have spent some time with local businesses and they are indeed feeling the effects of the waterway closure, we are working seven days a week to reopen the canal as soon as possible."