In 1961, the canal closed after a catastrophic breach. There are reported to be 13 coal seams running under the Branch Canal which led to subsidence and it is believed that this instability along with the greatly built up towpath wall contributed to it eventually collapsing in the area opposite the old boatyard, which had closed some years earlier. The decision was taken that the canal would not be repaired as most of the wharves were no longer being used. The end was sealed off initially with earth and more permanently with sheet piling in June 1962, as can be seen in one of the photographs.
For many years it was suspected that the boat seen in the photos was buried, but it later emerged that it had been taken away. Its present whereabouts are unknown. The boat was called Elizabeth, and was operated by the National Coal Board, based nearby at Wolstanton Pit. After the breach the cabin of the boat was reportedly removed and used as part of a pigeon loft at nearby allotments. If you know any more about this story, or remember seeing the boat we would love to hear from you.
Some years after the canal closed, the area was re-landscaped and the naturally curved valley was straightened out by Severn Trent Water to improve drainage. The exact spot of the breach is now well above the present ground level, above the large drainage pipes that can be seen in the valley floor.
