06/08/2026
No fear – there’s water here!
Following reports of drought and water shortages on our inland waterways, a boat yard in Staffordshire is pleased to report that there is water and all the locks are operational on the Shropshire Union main line.
The Shropshire Union Canal is predominantly fed by clean water exiting from Barnhurst Sewage works in Wolverhampton and Belvide reservoir on the A5 at Stretton, Staffordshire. Therefore, as long as the good people in Wolverhampton keep flushing the toilet, water will continue to flow along the Shropshire Union main line towards Ellesmere Port!
There are some low water levels on the long pound between Hack Green and Bunbury (through Nantwich), but this is being carefully managed by the Canal & River Trust who have responsibility for maintaining the canal.
Managing Director; David Ray, says that “we are receiving multiple calls on a daily basis [from our hirers] asking if their holidays will still go ahead”, David has assured his customer’s that there are still plenty of routes to enjoy from his base at Norbury Junction on the beautiful Shropshire Union Canal.
Routes from Norbury include Chester (the walled city), Ellesmere Port (National Waterways Museum), Great Haywood (Shugborough Hall), Kinver (Rock houses), Kidderminster (Severn Valley Railway) and Stourport (River Severn). Of course for a short break there are more local routes that can be enjoyed along with a good range of canal side pubs and local villages.
David continues to add "we advise all our hirers [and private boat owners] to sign up to the stoppage notice system published by Canal & River Trust which gives the most up-to-date information, to avoid any inconvenience whilst cruising. As a small Company we want everyone to enjoy their holiday with us, so we are happy to help with route planning...".
Norbury Wharf still has some limited availability for the hire of boats during the summer holidays. They offer a range of boats from 2 to 10 berth and from 3 or 4 nights to 7, 10 and 14 nights – longer cruises are also available.
Find out more and book a holiday today with Norbury Wharf – www.norburywharfltd.co.uk or call the booking office on 01785284292.
Canal & River Trust stoppage information can be found here - https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/notices
