Major dredging work on Bude Canal about to begin

A major dredging program on the Bude Canal is due to start in the coming weeks, Cornwall Council said.

The work, which will be delivered by Cormac, will reinstate a safe navigable depth for watercraft along the canal and restore the role of the canal in carrying flood waters as part of the flood defence strategy for Bude.

Works are due to begin from January 23, depending on weather conditions, and are due to be completed before the summer.

Councillor Martyn Alvey, portfolio holder for Environment and Climate Change for Cornwall Council, said: “This is a long-anticipated scheme that will bring huge benefits to Bude and those who enjoy the canal via boats and other watercraft.”

“This program will also help increase flood resilience and restore the role of the canal in carrying flood waters and in turn make the area more resilient to the impacts of climate change.“

A public meeting about the scheme will take place at the Conference Room at the Parkhouse Centre (Bude Stratton Town Council) on Thursday, January 12, 2023, at 1.30pm.

For safety reasons, the canal will be closed for the duration of the in-water dredging operation, expected to be from late January through February. There will also be restricted access on sections of the tow path and cycleway, the council said.

Dredged material from the harbour and upper wharf will be stored temporarily in the adjacent carparks and then transported away by lorry.

As a result, part of the Harbour Car Park and half of Crescent Car Park will be closed during the works. Summerleaze and Crooklets Car Parks will remain fully open, according to the council.