Sinkhole that threatened to empty Wichelstowe canal repaired

The sinkhole was first discovered in February 2024 at an aqueduct over the River Ray which makes up part of the canal in Wichelstowe.

The damage put the canal at risk of being completely emptied, and Swindon Borough Council were forced to take quick emergency action.

A temporary dam was put in place to allow for an investigation to be carried out which would reveal the full scale of the issue.

Now more than six months on, Swindon Borough Council has confirmed that the sinkhole has been filled in and all repairs made.

The sinkhole which threatened to empty the canal at Wichelstowe (Image: Wilts and Berks Canal Trust) "Earlier this year a sinkhole appeared on the bank above a culvert carrying the River Ray below the Wilts & Berks Canal in Wichelstowe," said a spokesperson for the council.

"Work has now been completed to repair the culvert, which involved damming the river to allow for repairs to be made.

"This involved lowering the water level in one of the existing culverts so our team could undertake the repairs.

"With the repairs now complete, the sinkhole has been filled in and the team have left the area.

"We’d like to thank the team and the Wilts & Berks Canal Trust for their help during the repairs."

Before and after the temporary dam was put in place (Image: Swindon Borough Council)

The temporary dam (left) pictured next to the sinkhole (right) (Image: Wilts and Berks Canal Trust) According to the Wilts and Berks Canal Trust, the sinkhole was first discovered by workers who were carrying out a routine inspection in early February 2024.

Although the canal, aqueduct and surrounding area is council owned, The Wilts and Berks Canal Trust regularly work with the councils to help maintain canals and towpaths for the local community and wildlife.

"It appears that there may be some damage to the aqueduct structure which could eventually affect the canal with a risk of completely emptying it," said a spokesperson for the trust at the time it was discovered.

The discovery has emphasised how important the Canal Trust's work is in maintaining Swindon's canal.

Chloe Ford, Swindon branch chair of the canal trust added: "Looking after structures and the canal itself is crucial to ourselves and the community."