Emergency services have declared a major incident in a West Midlands market town after a large sinkhole opened up on a local canal.
Emergency Response Underway
West Mercia Police confirmed the major incident in the Chemistry area of Whitchurch, North Shropshire, on Sunday, 22nd December 2025. The force was alerted to reports of the sinkhole affecting the canal and immediately coordinated a multi-agency response.
A police spokesman stated that the situation is being managed through the Shropshire Tactical Co-ordination Group (TCG). Fire services are on the scene assisting residents, while other emergency crews assess the stability of the area. Authorities have confirmed there are currently no reports of any casualties.
Canal Closed and Public Warned
The Canal and River Trust (CRT), which manages the waterway, has enacted an emergency closure. Boaters and the public are being told to avoid the affected section entirely.
A CRT spokesperson issued a specific warning: "Please be advised that due to an incident, there is an emergency closure in place between Lock 6 Grindley Locks and Bridge 31A, Whitchurch By-Pass bridge." The trust urged people not to approach from either direction and promised further updates in due course.
Police have echoed this, asking the public to stay away from the Chemistry area and to seek alternative routes for travel. The full extent of the damage and the cause of the sinkhole are not yet known.
Ongoing Situation
The incident, which was reported in the morning of 22nd December, continues to be an active emergency site. The multi-agency response includes police, fire, and canal authorities working to secure the area and understand the risk.
Residents in the vicinity are being supported, and investigations into the stability of the surrounding ground are likely to continue for some time. Both West Mercia Police and the Canal and River Trust have committed to providing further public updates as more information becomes available.
