Closure Bridgwater and Taunton Canal

a pillbox formed part of taunton stop line, creech engine house, charlton, in background

after first world war canal remained in state of limbo – minimal maintenance railway company – , haunt of fishermen , walkers. conservators continued annual inspections, , infrastructure remained in remarkably order, compared many other closed canals. section near creech st michael used swimming lessons local school children in 1930s.

during second world war route of canal employed part of taunton stop line, defensive line followed course of canals , railway embankments mouth of parrett seaton on south coast. permanent bridges mined demolition chambers. hamp bridge prepared demolition 4 small charge chambers under east side of arch containing total of 30 lb (14 kg) of explosive, ammonal. anti-tank obstacles placed @ bridge sites or locks hinder bridging operations. of swing bridges removed, replaced fixed timber bridges @ towpath level. essential maintenance carried out, ensure water supply fire-fighting , prevent flooding. although physical structure of canal not damaged enemy action, of company records , traffic receipts, of bristol , exeter railway, destroyed during bombing raid.

control of canal passed public ownership transport act 1947. despite concerted efforts, conservators not make progress removal of fixed low-level bridges, prevented maintenance being carried out. inland waterways association started take active interest in restoration of canal 1952, resisted british transport commission, padlocked lock gates prevent them being used. despite this, team of 7 men employed maintain infrastructure through period. maintenance of channel enabled canal become 1 of first used commercial transport of water, pumped canal durleigh reservoir 1962 onwards.

the canal absorbed british waterways board in 1962. conservators carried out annual inspection in 1965, first since 1947, had use motor coach of journey, locks unusable. passing of transport act 1968, canal classified remainder waterway – little more drainage channel. essential maintenance keep safe carried out. afterwards, part of cutting wall between west street , albert street collapsed, , although bed of canal cleared ensure water reach dock, towpath remained blocked 9 years. bridgwater docks, had been used small amount of coastal shipping, closed in 1971: connection @ docks stopped up, , british waterways board granted permission cease maintaining canal navigation.