Dredging update for Milton Keynes

The dredging programme on the Grand Union Canal in Milton Keynes has been temporarily halted due to concerns that falling oxygen levels in the water could become too low to support the fish that live in the canal.

The project is about half way through. Roughly 1,500m³ of silt, which is approximately 18,500 bath tubs worth has been removed from the canal and a further 1,000m³ will be removed from various sections between Wolverton and Milton Keynes. Once removed the silt is being recycled and used as bank protection.

The project is costing around £250,000 and was due to finish this summer but with the current heat wave, the project has been halted and will restart in the winter.

Paul Fox, from the Trust, said: “The removal of silt that has built up over the years will make it easier for boaters to navigate and moor along this popular stretch of canal. I am sorry that we’ve not been able to complete the project in one go – it has been difficult to maintain the oxygen levels in the water during the heat wave. As a result we’ve reluctantly decided to temporarily stop work and come back and finish the project later in the year when the weather is cooler.”