VIDEO: Large operation mounted to stabilise Grand Western Canal banks in Halberton after extensive flood damage

ENGINEERING works have continued overnight at the Grand Western Canal in Halberton after a vast section of the 200-year-old structure collapsed following flooding.

Boards have been put in place at Manley Bridge to stop water from draining from the canal and other works to stabilise the canal will be carried out today with the forecast of further heavy rain on its way.

Police helicopter footage showing the extent of the collapse
Main Flooding from the fields on the left (Darts) across the road towards the river
The Bridge in Topsham toward Darts Farm on the cycle track
The bridge Inn and Fisher Bridge Mills in the background looking back from Darts toward topsham.

The canal breached its banks yesterday afternoon with thousands of gallons of water pouring onto adjoining land.

Ken Browse, chairman of the parish council at Halberton and owner of some of the land nearest the collapsed section had helped fill sandbags and assist in the temporary damming of the canal. He said: "It has been over-topping for days and yesterday we could see that the bank was going to come through, but couldn't prevent it in time. The canal is only a metre or so deep, but it is going to take some clean-up."

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A handful of families were evacuated from their homes on Thursday evening and were accommodated in the village hall before being allowed to return to their homes once danger had passed.

Devon County Council is however warning residents in Halberton to be aware of the potential of further risk of flooding later today.

Train services between Exeter and Taunton have been replaced with bus services due to flooding at Tiverton Parkway.