Marsden lock flight re-filled

The water levels on the Marsden lock flight on the Huddersfield Narrow Canal have now returned to normal after being drained by a boater last week.

Both sets of paddles on Locks 40E to 36E had been left open by a boater heading downhill, resulting in the pounds being completeley drained. When stopped further down the canal, the boater, who claimed to have had 20 years' experience, said he had left the paddles up at both ends of the locks to help another boat that was following.

This made the flight impassable and it had to be closed to allow the water levels to recover. Because BW is only allowed a certain amount of water from Yorkshire Water it took several days before the levels returned to normal.

The water level on the summit pound was down by 6 inches which meant passages through Standedge Tunnel had to be suspended, as the tunnel sides taper below the normal water level.

It is actions such as this which have previously caused BW to padlock the flight and only allow boats through under escort. This is the first year that boaters have been allowed to make their own way up or down the flight.

Boaters intending to use this part of the canal or booked through Standedge Tunnel should contact the BW on 0113 281 6860 for the latest information.

Lock 40e, Marsden