ALMOST 10,000 fish have been rescued from the drained canal in Middlewich – following the catastrophic embankment collapse on Friday.

The embankment above the aqueduct near to Nantwich Road, which carries the Shropshire Union Canal over the River Wheelock collapsed in the early hours of Friday morning.

The Canal and River Trust had to drain the canal as a result.

A spokesman told the Guardian that after a detailed inspection, it has been confirmed that part of the aqueduct has been torn away by the collapse, but it is still structurally sound.

On Saturday, a team from MEM Fisheries spent the full day rescuing fish from the drained canal and rescued almost 10,000 fish throughout the day.

A spokesman for the Canal and River Trust said: “Fast action by emergency staff has resulted in nearly 10,000 fish being rescued from the stretch of canal in Middlewich affected by the breach.

“MEM Fisheries staff spent a full day on Saturday rescuing roach, perch, gudgeon, bream and eels from the three-quarter mile length between Stanthorne Lock and Wardle Lock on the Shropshire Union Canal Middlewich Branch, which has been drained.

“They collected the affected fish, including a massive 4lb eel, into large buckets and then released them back into water further along the canal beyond Wardle Lock, towards Middlewich town centre.”