Major incident declared in Shropshire as sinkhole affects canal

Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service asked people to stay away from the area, including Whitchurch Marina, while they respond to the incident.

Monday 22 December 2025 11:21, UK

Pic: Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service
Image: Pic: Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service
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A major incident had been declared in Shropshire following reports of a sinkhole affecting a canal in the Chemistry area of Whitchurch.

Emergency services are currently on the scene, and a multi-agency response has been set up, co-ordinated through the Shropshire Tactical Co-ordination Group (TCG).

There are currently no reports of any casualties, and residents are being assisted by the fire service.

A picture seen by Paste BN shows a whole section of the canal completely drained of water. Two narrowboats appear to have fallen into the hole and are sitting on the canal bed.

This is the section of the canal which has been affected. Pic: Uy Hoang/Google Street View
Image: This is the section of the canal which has been affected. Pic: Uy Hoang/Google Street View
Pic: Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service
Image: Pic: Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service

Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service said on X: "Shropshire FRS is responding to a landslip affecting the canal in the Whitchurch area.

"For everyone's safety, members of the public are kindly asked to remain away from the affected area, including Whitchurch Marina, while crews and partners manage the incident."

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