Leak canal open again

A canal that sprang a leak and blighted summer trade for businesses in Shropshire has reopened to boat traffic.

Repairs to the Shropshire Union Canal at Shebdon Embankment in Staffordshire finished this week.

The stretch of canal, near Market Drayton, was shut in August after the discovery of the leak at the foot of the embankment.

Boats were stranded and waterside businesses complained of a drop in trade.

British Waterways is urging boaters to exercise caution in the immediate fut- ure. The towpath will stay shut for two more weeks.