Month-long closure of South Stratford canal leaves boaters and businesses stranded

BOATERS and business owners are stranded and out of pocket, due to the only waterway route into Stratford being closed for months.

The South Stratford canal, which stretches 25 miles from Birmingham to Stratford, is shut at Wilmcote top lock, while a problem with one of the lock gates is fixed.

The blockage has completely stopped the flow of water traffic, affecting businesses all along the canal including near Claverdon, Henley, Preston Bagot, Wootton Wawen, Wilmcote, Bishopton and Stratford.

The Canal and River Trust, responsible for maintenance, has pushed back the reopening date a few times, triggering anxiety and uncertainty as well as expense and loss of earnings.

Boater Darren Wade and his wife Joy, who took early retirement, have spent the past five years living on their narrow boat full-time and cruising the canals.