Tipton canal was blocked due to a 'pollution incident' - Canal and River Trust update
A narrowboat owner was left stranded on a canal in Tipton after the waterway was blocked
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While initially thought to be a 'police incident' the Canal and River Trust has confirmed that a stretch of canal in Tipton has been closed due to a 'pollution incident'.
The revelation comes as narrowboat owner and former photojournalist, Chris Yates, managed to take his damaged boat to drydock after more than a week of being stranded on the waterway.
The Express & Star previously reported how Mr Yates, who has lived on a narrowboat for over 17 years, was left stranded on his boat, Marybet, when lock one to lock three of the Tipton to Birmingham Mainline canal was closed.
Earlier today he said: "I'm really pleased, I pulled into the dry dock on Friday so I can get the boat fixed.
"I contacted the MP for the area and they have been fantastic and the Canal and River Trust have even pulled me into the dock."
The Canal and River Trust now says this was due to pollution.
In their latest statement to the Express & Star, the UK's largest canal charity said: "Our charity appreciates the challenges boaters face when unexpected circumstances disrupt their journeys.
"In this instance, we were told to close the stretch of canal by the police and Environment Agency after a pollution incident. We are awaiting their clearance to reopen the canal as soon as possible."
The Environmental Agency since reopened the waterways after completing their testing. The Environmental Agency has been approached for further comment.
While his narrowboat may be on the mend, Mr Yates said that more information about the safety of the canal needs to be given to those who live on the water.
He said: "I live on this water, it affects me and a lot of other people. As boat owners, we need to know if this water is safe to be in.
"The closure was announced on January 21, but I only saw the EA come down to take tests of the water a couple of days later."
A Canal and River Trust said that they have been in regular contact with Mr Yates when they became aware of his situation and that their priority is the 'safety of everyone' on the waterways.
The group said: “We have been in regular contact with Mr Yates and have advised him of an alternative route available to continue his journey.
"This alternative route, whilst not as direct as the closed route, would add 60 minutes to Mr Yates’ journey and allow him to access the repair yard. Additionally, waterway chaplains have reached out to offer supplies to assist him.
“We are sorry for the inconvenience this has caused. Our priority remains the safety of everyone on our waterways, and we appreciate the patience and cooperation of the boating community during this time."
