2012 Spring Cruise

This was the short stretch of canal, going over the aqueduct, that has been blocked off. It seems to have quickly fallen into disrepair with plenty of trees and bushes growing out of the brickwork. The mood became sombre at the sight of this, with little faith that there is a will to fix the aqueduct. It was striking how quickly the mood changed from that of a Sunday afternoon stroll to 'Oh Dear'!

These walkers were crossing the canal at the blockage that keeps the aqueduct empty. The river passes under this stretch from left to right.

We walked down to view the river passing under the aqueduct and could see the crumbling stonework.

Looking at the structure of the aqueduct initiated many comments to the effect that this does not seem to be an insurmountable engineering problem - if someone had the will and the money to fix it, it could easily be done. From further discussion, it sounded as though the aqueduct has not been fixed, not because there is no money, but for political reasons. The VNF don't want to look after the Sambre any more so want to pass its control to the local communitieswho, in turn don't think they can afford the long term costs involved.