Rochdale Summit - Book Now for Christmas!

Anyone intending to take a boat across the Rochdale Canal summit over Christmas or New Year should book their passage quickly.

If you want to cross the summit between Monday December 28th and Monday January 4th you must book by Thursday 24th December before 12.00 noon. This is because BW's office that handles bookings will be closed between Christmas and New Year.

There will be no passages on Christmas Day, Boxing Day or New Year's Day.

Passages on the Rochdale Canal Summit can be booked by phoning BW on 01782 785703.

The same booking arrangements also apply to passages along the Rochdale Canal between Lock 65 in Failsworth and Lock 83 in Manchester.



Summit of Rochdale Canal

Passage to Liverpool Resumes

Navigation to and from Liverpool has now resumed after being disruptted by an electrical fault on a swing bring in Maghull.

Maghull Hall Bridge (number 12) at Hall Lane, Maghull, was temporarily inoperable. Contractors have been on site and the bridge was re-opened on 18th December.

Any enquiries regarding this stoppage should be made to BW on 01942 405700.

This stoppage is 2.5 miles before the start of the section of canal into Liverpool on which passage must be booked.


Hall Lane Bridge, Leeds and Liverpool Canal

Dangerous Building in Sowerby Bridge

A dangerous building has led to the closure of the Rochdale Canal and towpath in Sowerby Bridge.

British Waterways says that the canalside building has the potential to collapse across the canal.

The canal above Tuel Lock is currently closed to enable investigation of embankment leaks so BW has extended the section of canal currently closed to include the area affected by the dangerous building.

Any enquiries regarding this stoppage should be made to BW on 01782 785703.


Tuel Lock, Rochdale Canal

Oil Spill shuts New Junction Canal

An oil spillage has closed the New Junction Canal, Yorkshire, between Sykehouse Lift Bridge and Sykehouse Lock.

The canal has been closed until the oil spill can be contained and removed. The stoppage is necessary to prevent the oil being spread further afield by boat movements.

Contractors will be on site tomorrow to begin the clear-up. An update will be issued on Friday 18th December at midday.

Any enquiries regarding this stoppage should be made to BW on 0113 281 6860.

24th Dec: No update to this stoppage received yet from BW.


Sykehouse Lift Bridge, New Junction Canal

Paddle Failure on Rochdale

A failed paddle has led to a temporary stoppage at Lock 14 on the Rochdale Canal, between Hebden Bridge and Todmorden.

The broken top paddle at Holmcoat Lock is causing a substantial loss of water to the pounds above.

British Waterways will replace th epaddle as a matter of urgency. An update will be issued on Tuesday 15th December.

Any enquiries regarding this stoppage should be made to BW on 01782 785703.

24th Dec: No update to this stoppage received yet from BW.

Electrical Fault stops passage to Liverpool

Navigation to and from Liverpool is affected by an electrical fault on a swing bring in Maghull.

Maghull Hall Bridge (number 12) at Hall Lane, Maghull, is temporarily inoperable. Contractors have been on site and will return on Monday to re-assess the situation.

British Waterways will issue an update notice on Monday 14th December 2009.

Any enquiries regarding this stoppage should be made to BW on 01942 405700.

This stoppage is 2.5 miles before the start of the section of canal into Liverpool on which passage must be booked.


Hall Lane Bridge, Leeds and Liverpool Canal

Silt blocks Calder and Hebble

There is a temporary stoppage on the Calder and Hebble Navigation between Ganny Lock and Brookfoot Lock, west of Brighouse.

Following recent heavy rain, silt from Red Beck has built up into a bar, making navigation impossible.

British Waterways will start dredging work on Monday 16th December. An update will be issued when navigation has been restored.

Any enquiries regarding this stoppage should be made to BW on 0113 281 6800.

The Calder and Hebble Navigation was plagued by a series of prolonged or unexpected stoppages earlier in the year.

Update (16th Dec):
BW hopes to have the dredging completed and the navigation re-opened by mid afternoon on Friday 18th December.


Calder and Hebble at Brookfoot, where Red Beck feeds into the navigation

Barnby Dun Bridge Closed (now re-opened)

Barnby Dun Lift Bridge on the Sheffield and South Yorkshire Navigation is closed due to a hydraulic failure.

The bridge is between Doncaster and the junction of the Stainforth & Keadby and New Junction Canals.

British Waterways says that engineers are assessing the situation and that repairs will be instigated as soon as possible.

Any enquiries regarding this stoppage should be made to BW on 0113 281 6800.

Update (3rd Dec):
The navigation is now re-opened.


Barnby Dun Lift Bridge

Online Petition Gathers Pace

On online petition on the Downing Street website is gathering momentum among waterway supporters.

The petition reads: "We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to protect our canals by not selling off property owned by British Waterways."

Petition creator Ian Rees added these statements in support of the petition: "Further to recent announcements concerning the potential sell-off of properties owned by British Waterways by the Treasury, we petition the Prime Minister to give assurances that our canals will be protected and recent levels of investment, a credit to Labour, is maintained.
"Our canals are great source of pleasure for many people in the country, providing a source of employment through tourism and associated businesses. They're also home to many forms of wildlife. Without proper management this will ebb away and the network return to a state of decay and ruin.
"We urge the Government to allow British Waterways to retain its property portfolio, protecting its essential source of revenue and ensure the sustainability of its work."

The petition follows an item on BBC TV's The Politics Show speculating that BW's property portfolio could be sold off to help plug the Government's financial deficit.

BW responded by pointing out that the Government had decided earlier in the year, following a Treasury-led review, that British Waterways' 1,400 canalside properties should not be sold, although it acknowledged that things could change.

Save Our Waterways commented: "It would be a very short-sighted decision if the government were to sell off BW's property portfolio. Not only would the amount raised not be great in a recession, but it would deprive BW of a vital source of income, meaning that the government would have to pump additional money into BW in the future just to maintain the system at a basic level."

The story about the possible sell-off spread alarm amongst waterway users, despite BW's reassurances, resulting in the online petition.

The petition came to the notice of the Inland Waterways Association who have indicated that they support the statements in the petition and have been encouraging people to add their names.

Some people are doubtful about the effectiveness of petitions, but the IWA points out: "The worst outcome now that this is in the public domain, would be if this petition receives scant support. That might give Ministers the impression that there are few waterways supporters who care very much about the issue. On the other hand, if it is well supported, the Government, this close to an election, is very sensitive to actions it might take which may lose votes."

The petition has picked up 5,000 names in just a few days. Please look at the petition by following this link http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/protectourcanals/ and, if you agree with it, add your own name.

Two Day Stoppage at Barton Aqueduct

A stoppage will affect Barton Aqueduct on the Bridgewater Canal for two days in December to enable the structure to be inspected.

On Wednesday 9th December, the canal will be closed to navigation for most of the day, with passage being available only from 12 noon to 12.30 pm and from 4.00 to 4.30 pm.

On Thursday 10th December, the canal across the aqueduct will be closed to navigation all day.

Boaters are being advised not to moor overnight at Barton Aqueduct. Suggested alternatives are at Worsley village centre, Castlefield or in Sale at the Kings Ransom public house.

Any enquiries regarding this stoppage should be made to The Bridgewater Canal Company on 0161 629 8266.


Barton Aqueduct

Marple Locks to be shut for three weeks

Marple Locks on the Peak Forest Canal will be closed from Monday 30th November to Thursday 17th December.

This is an unplanned stoppage, not included in the orignal winter stoppage list, to allow for emergency third-party repairs to Brabyns Brow Bridge (Station Road), adjacent to Lock 9.

This stoppage affects boaters travelling around the Cheshire Ring.

Any enquiries regarding this stoppage should be made to BW on 01782 785703.


Lock 9 and Brabyns Brow Bridge

Leeds and Liverpool closed at Hapton

The Leeds and Liverpool Canal has been closed at Hapton Bridge (bridge 121) after the bridge was struck by a vehicle.

Some of the bridge masonry has fallen onto the canal and towpath. As a result the canal has been closed until the remaining stonework can be assessed, debris removed and any emergency repairs completed.

British Waterways will issue an update notice on Monday 16th November 2009.

Any enquiries regarding this stoppage should be made to BW on 01942 405700.

Update (17th Nov):
Due to a mechanical failure of the equipment used to remove the debris, the canal at Hapton is not expected to be re-opened until November 18th.
Update (19th Nov):
The navigation is now re-opened.


Hapton Bridge, Leeds and Liverpool Canal

Huddersfield Canal gets an Overhaul

British Waterways has announced that the Huddersfield Narrow Canal will be receiving an overhaul during the Winter season.

A £445,000 programme of works will include the replacement of some of the lock gates at six locks between Marsden and Slaithwaite. These are Locks 28e, 29e, 31e, 33e, 40e and 42e.

The new gates will be built at British Waterways' own workshops at Stanley Ferry, Wakefield. The old gates will be re-cycled and reused for other projects.

David Baldacchino, waterways manager for British Waterways' new Manchester and Pennine region, said: "My staff put a huge amount of planning and dedicated work in to ensure that the canals stay open, accessible and in good working order and lock gate replacements such as this are a prime example of that."

The Winter maintenance programme will also include major works at Lock 14e, Golcar, where water has been leaking into the adjacent Ramsden's Mill. The canal was closed here in September when the leak became serious. An investigation revealed that a quick fix would not be possible and, as the major work was scheduled to be carried out in January, it was decided that this work should go ahead as planned and that the canal should remain closed until then.


Lock 31e, Huddersfield Narrow Canal

Tinsley Locks to re-open

Tinsley Locks on the Sheffield and South Yorkshire Navigation are to re-open after a month-long closure.

British Waterways has announced that water levels are now sufficient for some managed use of the locks to resume. Boats that have been waiting to pass through the locks will be assisted through by BW staff over the weekend.

Water levels will be checked again on Monday and, if levels are sufficient, normal passage will then resume.

The stoppage began a month ago, with a problem with the pumping system that feeds the summit level from the river, and a loss of water from the summit level between Tinsley and Sheffield. As a result, Tinsley Locks were closed on 24th September.

There had been a series of delays while BW had difficulty sourcing the parts to repair the pump. Then, apparently, the wrong parts were delivered, causing a further delay.

Then a culvert was found to have collapsed, reducing the flow into the Sheffield level. BW hopes that the problems have now finally been fixed!


Tinsley Locks

Fire Shuts Rochdale Canal at Miles Platting

Part of a mill wall has collapsed onto the Rochdale Canal between Locks 76 and 77, in Miles Platting, following a fire.

This has resulted in an emergency stoppage to both the navigation and towpath. BW will not be able to assess the extent of the damage until the fire is fully extinguished.

This is on the stretch of 19 locks along which passage must be pre-booked, so the canal will be closed between Locks 65 and 83. Boaters wishing to use the canal should moor at the Irk Aqueduct or Ducie Street until the canal is re-opened.

Any enquiries regarding this stoppage should be made to BW on 01942 405700.

This stoppage causes a potential problem to boaters wishing to cross the Pennines, as the Huddersfield Narrow Canal is closed between Stalithwaite and Huddersfield.

Update 19th Oct:
The navigation has re-opened but the towpath remains closed between Locks 76 and 77.

BW will issue a further update on Monday 26th October.


Between Locks 76 and 77, Rochdale Canal

Stoppage at Lemonroyd

Lemonroyd Lock on the Aire and Calder Navigation between Leeds and Castleford is currently closed after a cill failed.

British Waterways has urged boaters not to proceed beyond Woodnock Lock or Casteford as mooring above and below Lemonroyd is limited.

In addition, rcent heavy rainfall may result in the river level rising below the lock which may make it unsuitable for mooring.

BW have started work to repair the cill and hope to have the lock re-opened on Saturday 10th October.

Any enquiries regarding this stoppage should be made to BW on 0113 281 6860.

Update 9th Oct:
The lock has been repaired and the navigation has re-opened.


Lemonroyd Lock

Bridge Fault Shuts Lower Peak Forest

The Lower Peak Forest Canal is closed at Dukinfield because of a hydraulics problem with Stanley Lift Bridge.

It is reported that the bridge had jammed in the up position but had to be lowered by BW staff because it is the only access for Plantation Farm. It has reportedly been welded shut for safety reasons to prevent attempts to raise the bridge.

This stoppage affects boaters travelling around the Cheshire Ring.

BW will issue an update on Friday 2nd October.

Any enquiries regarding this stoppage should be made to BW on 01942 405700.


Stanley Lift Bridge

Pump Problem Affects Tinsley Locks

It was reported that there is an emergency stoppage at Tinsley Locks on the Sheffield and South Yorkshire Navigation.

This has now been confirmed by British Waterways. The problem is with the pumping system that feeds the summit level from the river, and a loss of water from the summit level between Tinsley and Sheffield, resulting in the closure of Tinsley Locks.

It may be several days before navigation can be restored. Information will be posted here as soon as it is known.

Any enquiries regarding this stoppage should be made to BW on 0113 281 6860.

Update:
The navigation is still closed. BW will issue a further update on Wednesday 30th September.

Tinsley Locks

Leak Shuts Huddersfield Canal

A leak, described as "serious", has shut the Huddersfield Narrow Canal near Lock 14e, between Slaithwaite and Milnsbridge.

The canal bank has not actually breached and there is no visible damage to the canal, but the serious leak developed on Tuesday night, with water escaping from just above the lock into the nearby Ramsden Mill. An employee of Trojan Plastics said that it sounded like a waterfall and that at one point there was around two feet of water inside the building.

British Waterways staff have drained the lock and the pound above it, to prevent any more water escaping. They will need to remain drained until repairs can be carried out. It is thought that this means the canal will be closed here for the rest of the season.

Boats approaching from Huddersfield will need to turn back below Lock 9e in Milnsbridge. Boats booked to pass through Standedge Tunnel from the west are being turned back below Lock 24w at Dobcross. Boats currently at Slaithwaite or Marsden will need to go through Standedge Tunnel to leave the canal.

Any enquiries regarding this stoppage should be made to BW on 0113 281 6860.


Lock 14e, Huddersfield Narrow Canal
There have been ongoing problems with water leaking into the mill from the lock if boaters leave the lock filled. The lock side has been grouted but the problems were re-appearing. The serious leak that occured this week was believed to be not from the lock itself, as it continued after the lock was emptied, but from above the lock. There is no visible sign of damage and it is thought that water may have seeped through stonework and created a cavity.

Tail gates chained open to keep lock empty.

Another Half Day Stoppage at Bosley

The top gate of Lock 5 on the Bosley lock flight, Macclesfield Canal, has been damaged by boat impact.

There will be a half day stoppage on Wednesday 12th August. Lock 5 will be closed between 7.00 and 11.00 am.

The pound between Locks 4 and 5 will be de-watered in order to inspect the gate to ensure the integrity of the pivot beneath the heel post.

Any enquiries regarding this stoppage should be made to BW on 01606 723800.


Lock 5 at Bosley

Guillotine Gate cuts off Huddersfield Canal

Lock 24e of the Huddersfield Narrow Canal, the Slaithwaite guillotine lock, has been closed following concerns over opearational safety.

According to BW, the operation of the lock has become unsafe and could pose a risk to customers.

Engineers will inspect the lock on Wednesday and BW will issue an update on Thursday 13th August.

The guillotine gate at the tail end of the lock is raised an lowered manually with a windlass. The lock, sometimes refered to as "Shuttle Lock", is believed to be the only narrow lock with a guillotine gate.

Any enquiries regarding this stoppage should be made to BW on 0113 281 6860.

Half Day Stoppage at Bosley

A ground paddle has failed at Lock 5 on th eBosley lock flight, Macclesfield Canal.

There will be a half day stoppage on Tuesday 4th August to repair the paddle.

Stop planks will be put into place so that the area around the paddle can be de-watered.

The lock will be closed between 7.00 and 11.00 am.

Any enquiries regarding this stoppage should be made to BW on 01606 723800.


Lock 5 at Bosley

Stoppage at Newlay near Leeds

There are reports of an emergency stoppage at Newlay 3-rise Locks, on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal to the west of Leeds.

It is reported that BW staff are informing boaters of a broken gate which may result in a closure of several days until it can be repaired.

Update 3rd August:
The stoppage has now been confirmed. The heel post of one of the bottom gates has broken. A replacement part will arrive on Wednesday and work will begin then. BW will issue an update on Thursday 6th August.

Any enquiries regarding this stoppage should be made to BW on 0113 281 6860.

Newlay 3-rise Locks

Overnight Stoppage at Dobson Locks

There will be a overnight emergency stoppage at Dobson 2-rise Locks, near Apperley Bridge, Leeds and Liverpool Canal.

The locks will be closed from 4.00 pm on Thursday 30th July until 8.00 am on Friday 31st July.

The stoppage is to enable emergency repairs to be made to a damaged cill.

Any enquiries regarding this stoppage should be made to BW on 0113 281 6860.


Dobson 2-rise Locks

Emergency One Day Stoppage at Bank Newton

There will be a one-day emergency stoppage at Lock 37 on the Bank Newton Locks, Leeds and Liverpool Canal on Friday 31st July.

Because the locks are already subject to restricted opening hours, this means that the locks will close at 6.00 pm on 30th June and re-open at 10.00 am on 1st August.

There is also a one day stoppage at Barrowford Locks on 30th July [see below].

Any enquiries regarding this stoppage should be made to BW on 0113 281 6860.

Update:
The stoppage has been amended so that the canal at Bank Newton should re-open at 2.00 pm on 31st July.


Lock 37, Bank Newton

Collapsed Wall Shuts Canal at Rotherham - now navigable

The Sheffield and South Yorkshire Navigation has been closed at Rotherham following the collapse of a wall.

A large section of wall, understood to be part of the old Beatson Clark glass works, has collapsed - partly into the canal - about a quarter of a mile north of Rotherham Lock.

A further section of wall is in danger of collapse.

The canal will remain closed until the wall has been stabilised and debris removed.

Update (31st July):
The debris in the canal from the wall has now been buoyed off. Half of the channel is now navigable to a depth of 1.8 metres. Boats should keep to the side away from the buoyed area.

Any enquiries regarding this stoppage should be made to BW on 0113 281 6860.

Another One Day Stoppage on Leeds & Liverpool

A one-day stoppage on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal at Barrowford should help to reduce water losses.

Lock 47 on the Barrowford lock flight will be closed on Thursday 30th July.

Because the locks are already subject to restricted opening hours, this means that the locks will close at 6.00 pm on 29th June and re-open at 10.00 am on 31st July.

Anyone needing more information about this stoppage should contact BW on 01942 405700.

This stoppage follows two earlier one-day stoppages on the Bank Newton flight in June.

Broken Cill holds up Huddersfield Canal

Lock 35e of the Huddersfield Narrow Canal, Marsden, is shut until Friday after the wooden cill has "blown".

Wooden cill blocks form a watertight seal when lock gates are closed. If a cill block is damaged or dislodged, there is no watertight seal and it becomes very difficult either to fill or to empty the lock, depending on which end of the lock is affected.

In a previous incident of a "blown cill" the bolts holding the wooden sill had corroded. When the lock was filled, the pressure of water in the gap below the gate forced the cill block upwards and washed it several yards downstream.

British Waterways intends to have the repair to Lock 35e completed by 9.00 am on Friday 10th July.

Any enquiries regarding this stoppage should be made to BW on 0113 281 6860.


Lock 35e, Huddersfield Narrow Canal

Tide Out at Wigan Pier

Vandalism has led to a section of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal being closed in Wigan.

The pound between Bottom Lock (87) and Pagefield Lock (88), the section which passes Wigan Pier, has been drained, making it un-navigable.

British Waterways staff are currently filling the pound, however, due to low levels in the feeder river and the long length of the pound, it is only filling slowly.

BW will issue an update once levels have been restored. Any enquiries regarding this stoppage should be made to BW on 01942 405700.

Update (7th July):
Water levels have been restored and the navigation has now been re-opened.


Wigan Pier, Leeds and Liverpool Canal

Careless Boater shuts Huddersfield Canal

The careless actions of a boater have left the Huddersfield Narrow Canal closed at Golcar, between Milnsbridge and Slaithwaite.

BW reports that a boater has left paddles open at Lock 12e, near Milnsbridge, draining the long pound across Golcar Aqueduct to Lock 13e.

Normally this situation could be remedied within a day by BW staff penning water down from further up the canal. However, the current water shortages on the canal mean that the pound can only be filled slowly, which is expected to take several days.

BW will issue an update when navigation is re-opened.

Any enquiries regarding this stoppage should be made to BW on 01942 405700.


Lock 12e, Huddersfield Narrow Canal

Water Shortages lead to Restrictions on Huddersfield Canal

Following restrictions for the Rochdale Canal summit, BW today announced new restrictions affecting the use of the Marsden lock flight on the Huddersfield Narrow Canal. These are also due to water shortage.

Boats heading westwards and booked to travel through Standedge Tunnel should now be at Lock 24e (Slaithwaite Guillotine Lock) at 12.00 noon the day before the tunnel passage and to wait to be chaperoned up the remaining locks by BW staff.

Boats not booked to go through Standedge Tunnel should turn below Lock 22e in Slaithwaite and not proceed further.

Boats heading eastwards should moor overnight above Lock 42e in Marsden after they have passed through Standedge Tunnel. BW staff will arrive at 8.30 am the following morning and chaperone the boat down the lock flight.

Any enquiries about these restrictions should be made to BW in Leeds on 0113 2816860.


Lock 42e, Huddersfield Narrow Canal

Water Shortages lead to Restrictions on Rochdale Canal

A shortage of available water in the reservoirs feeding the Rochdale Canal means that BW has changed the arrangements for boats passing over the canal's summit between Walsden and Littleborough. Boat numbers are limited and passage supervised through six locks on each side of the summit pound. It is hoped that this revised operation will conserve water resources and prolong the operation of the canal as far as possible.

Boat passage across the summit must be booked at least 48 hours in advance (or longer to avoid possible disappointment, as daily numbers are severely limited).

To book a passage, phone Customer Services at Wigan on Monday to Friday between 08.30 am and 4.00 pm. Tel: 01942 405700. If you need to call at a weekend to book a passage, contact the lock keeper on 0773 3124596 who operates a call back service for passage bookings only.

Passages across the summit section commence daily at 11.00 am at either Lock 31 (Lightbank Lock) or Lock 44 (Sladen Lock). There is currently a maximum of two boats a day permitted in each direction.

Unless a mooring on the summit has been booked, boats must make a continuous passage between Locks 31 and 44. Visitor mooring on Summit is available for up to 48 hour, but must be booked in advance. Mooring on the summit is at boaters' own risk of becoming stranded due to water issues. If intending to moor on the summit, passage off the summit passage must be booked at same time as passage on to the summit. For those who have booked a summit visitor mooring, passages off the summit at Locks 36 or 37 will start at 9.00 am Monday to Sunday.

Lock keepers will ensure that boats within the critical summit section are doubled up wherever possible in order to maximise efficient use of water resources. Boaters are asked to follow any instructions or advice given by lock keepers.

Boats arriving late for bookings will be rescheduled. However, BW may allow additional passages, subject to water availability and at the discretion of the local lock keepers. This can only be established at short notice due to the rapid changes in water conditions.

Recommended moorings for boats booked to cross the summit are as follows: -
• East side: - Customers booked for the summit should moor the previous night below Lock 31.
• West side: - Customers booked for the summit should moor the previous night below Lock 44.
• Summit: - 48 hour mooring is available on Summit (see conditions above).
All boats not crossing the summit should wind below Lock 30 (Winterbutlee) on the east side and below Lock 48 (Littleborough) on the west side.

Any enquiries should be made to BW on 01942 405700.

Summit pound, Rochdale Canal

Leak shuts part of Rochdale Canal

Four miles of the Rochdale Canal in Yorkshire are currently closed following a leak near Sowerby Bridge.

Water levels on the 2.5 mile long pound between Tuel Deep Lock (3/4) and Brearley Lower Lock (5) are very low, making navigation impossible. Investigations by BW staff revealed that water is leaking from the pound.

Attempted repairs carried out over the weekend have not been successful and the pound remains closed to navigation. More substantial repairs will be carried out this week and BW will issue an update on Wednesday 1st July.

The stoppage has been extended to Broadbottom Lock (7) at Mytholmroyd. Boaters intending to use this stretch of canal can obtain the latest information by contacting the lock keeper at Tuel Lane (07717342258).

Rochdale Canal near Sowerby Bridge: currently un-navigable

Honour for IWA's John Fletcher

Tireless north-west canals campaigner John Fletcher has been awarded an O.B.E. in the Queen's Birthday Honours List.

John Fletcher was National Chairman of the Inland Waterways Association from 2002 to 2008. He is currently Chairman of the Manchester Bolton and Bury Canal Society and Vice-President of The Waterways Trust.

He has played an extensive role in campaigning for waterway restoration schemes throughout the north-west, including the Anderton Boat Lift, the Manchester Bolton and Bury Canal and the Northern Reaches of the Lancaster Canal.

John's O.B.E. has been awarded for services to the inland waterways.

Wildlife to get the High Life

Wildlife in Leeds are to experience high-rise living thanks to a development alongside the Leeds and Liverpool Canal.

Garnett Netherwood Architects have won a competition to design wildlife habitats to attract wildlife back to the area of Holbeck Urban Village, near the canal in Leeds.

Garnett Netherwood, who have designed three office buildings in Holbeck, near Office Lock, won the compatition with designs for 12 metre high towers to be constructed from recycled materials. The design mimics the three historic Italianate towers that are preserved in the Holbeck development.

It is described as a "concept" that would need further evolution. It is hoped that the towers would attract bats, birds, butterflies and insects.

Artist's impression: Garnett Netherwood Architects

Canal Street Fence: BW to improve safety at lock

Following a wave of protests that the safety fence planned for Canal Street in Manchester will block access to Lock 86, British Waterways has announced a package of safety measures.

Boaters were concerned that the new fence would make the use of Lock 86 on the Rochdale Canal more hazardous if foot access to the lock is stopped. Some had expressed concern that BW was not looking after the interests of boaters in this case.

BW has now responded to the criticisms by announcing a package of measures to improve safety at Lock 86 and "design out" the need for boaters to climb over the wall and use historic steps.

Details of the safety measures and photos of the locations, along with questions arising from the plans can be found on this page.

A new landing is to be added on the offside above Lock 86

One Day Stoppages on Leeds & Liverpool Should Help Water Levels

Bank Newton Locks on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal will have two one-day stoppages so that worn-out paddles can be replaced.

Lock 40 on the Bank Newton lock flight will be closed on Friday 12th June.

Because the locks are already subject to restricted opening hours, this means that the locks will close at 6.00 pm on 11th June and re-open at 10.00 am on 13th June.

Lock 39 on the Bank Newton lock flight will be closed on Friday 19th June.

Because the locks are already subject to restricted opening hours, this means that the locks will close at 6.00 pm on 18th June and re-open at 10.00 am on 20th June.

Both ground paddles at the lock are worn out and need replacing urgently. British Waterways believes that this will aid water control and significantly reduce the loss of water in the East Marton pound, which has been a problem for some time.

Anyone needing more information about these stoppages should contact BW on 0113 281 6860.

Lock 40, Bank Newton

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

One Day Stoppage on Leeds & Liverpool Should Help Water Levels

Lock 40 on the Bank Newton lock flight of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal will be closed on Friday 12th June.

Because the locks are already subject to restricted opening hours, this means that the locks will close at 6.00 pm on 11th June and re-open at 10.00 am on 13th June.

Both ground paddles at the lock are worn out and need replacing urgently. British Waterways believes that this will aid water control and significantly reduce the loss of water in the East Marton pound, which has been a problem for some time.

Anyone needing more information about this stoppage should contact BW on 0113 281 6860.

Lock 40, Bank Newton

Fence will block access to lock

It was reported here in April that Manchester City Council is proposing to construct a safety fence along the side of Canal Street in Manchester. Aside from any adverse visual impact on the area, the fence would block access on foot for lock-wheelers to Lock 86 of the Rochdale Canal.

British Waterways has dismissed objections to this by saying that the steps are no longer safe and that the lock can be accessed by boat.

However, as the correct notices were not displayed, new notices have been issued and a new period for comments allowed. Comments will now be accepted up until 19th June 2009. The decision will now be taken by the planning committee at a meeting on 23rd July at 2.00 pm in the Town Hall Annexe.

Please follow this link to read more about Canal Street and the potential problems the fence could cause for boaters. There are links to the planning documents and the place where you can make comments on the application.


Lock 86, Rochdale Canal

Huddersfield Narrow pounds emptied

The Marsden lock flight on the Huddersfield Narrow Canal has been closed for a day or two after careless boaters left paddles open.

Paddles on Locks 40E to 36E had been left open by boaters heading downhill, resulting in the pounds being completeley drained.

This made the flight is impassable and it has been closed to allow the water levels to recover. Because BW is only allowed a certain amount of water from Yorkshire Water it could take several days before the levels have returned to normal.

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 39e, Marsden

One Day Stoppage at Hebden Bridge

The Rochdale Canal is to be closed for one day tomorrow (June 3rd) between Locks 8 and 9 in Hebden Bridge.

This stoppage is in order to complete repairs to the tailgate paddle at Lock 9.

For the latest information about this stoppage, contact BW on 01942 405 700.


Lock 9, Rochdale Canal

One Day Stoppage at Marple

Marple Locks (1 to 16) are to be closed for one day tomorrow (June 2nd).

This is to enable investigation works to be carried out on a damaged cill at Lock 4.

If any stoppage is required for a repair then an update will follow.

For the latest information about this stoppage, contact BW on 01942 405 700.

This stoppage will affect boaters travelling around the Cheshire Ring.

Wooden cill blocks form a watertight seal when the gates are closed. It is possible that one of the cill blocks here has been struck by a boat entering or leaving the lock while the level of the pound was too low. If a cill block is damaged or dislodged, there is no watertight seal and it becomes very difficult either to fill or to empty the lock, depending on which end of the lock is affected.


Lock 4, Marple

Leeds and Liverpool Leak closes canal near Parbold

There was an emergency stoppage this morning on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal between Parbold and Burscough.

This was due to "a significant leak" at Deans Lane Aqueduct (37a) a mile west of Parbold village.

Contractors were due out on site this morning and BW will issue an update notice later today.

BW is advising boaters to wind below bridge 27a, Scarisbrick Bridge or above bridge 42, Appley Bridge.

Update:
The navigation has now been re-opened.
Presumably the contractors have deposited a layer of clay on the canal bed in the affected area. This swift re-opening is a happy contrast with a similar leak on the Huddersfield Narrow Canal which closed that canal recently for two weeks.

Today's leak near Parbold happened on a 27 mile long pound between Appley Bridge and Liverpool, so it could have become necessary to block off the canal on each side to prevent a major water loss had the repair not worked straight away.

Deans Lane Aqueduct is not from from where a major embankment breach occurred near Newburgh in July 2003.


Deans Lane Aqueduct, Leeds and Liverpool Canal

Meet the Bosses again

Following last year's "meet the people" tour by Robin Evans and other BW Directors a similar series of meetings is taking place in 2009.

BW is describing these as "customer meetings" and invites its "customers" to attend. These meetings are described as being "a good opportunity for you to ask questions and for British Waterways to explain its future direction and proposed 2020 strategy".

In the north, meetings with Directors Vince Moran and Caroline Killeavy will take place at the following locations -

Saturday 6th June:
• Tommy Hatton's Meeting Room, Guy's Thatched Hamlet, Bilsborrow, nr Preston, PR3 0RS. 10.00 - 11.30 am
• Thomas Bourne Room, Standedge Visitor Centre, Marsden, HD7 6NQ. 2.30 - 4.00 pm
(to attend, contact Denise Bradshaw on 01942 405793)

Saturday 11th July:
• BW Office Rooms 1+2, Fearns Wharf, Leeds, LS9 8PB. 10.30 am - 12.00 noon
(to attend, contact Linzi O'Neill on 0113 281 6861)

BW Re-organisation - Have Your Say!

It was reported here in April that British Waterways was proposing to restructure its operations in England and Wales.

BW is asking for comments on this restructuring. Submissions to this consultation are invited up until 6th July 2009.

A pdf document "Consultation Document on Proposed New BW Boundaries" can be found here. This includes a Response Form for your thoughts. The form only concerns itself with boundary points between the areas and the names of the new areas. However, it invites you to append any other comments on a separate sheet.

If you would like to respond online, you can download a Word version of the Response Form, which can be returned as an email attachment to boundaryconsultation@britishwaterways.co.uk


Extract from BW map of proposed new units

For the area covered by Pennine Waterways website, the proposed changes would result in smaller North West and Yorkshire units, based at the existing Wigan and Leeds offices, and a new Peak and Pennine unit, which could include the Huddersfield Narrow, Rochdale and Peak Forest Canals, based at Northwich (see map extract).

BW says that the 11 proposed waterway units, to take effect from October 2009, will deliver improved levels of efficiency and customer service. In the revised structure, certain functions which fall outside of day-to-day maintenance, such as managing moorings, developing partnerships and carrying out major engineering projects, will be undertaken by specialist centralised teams.

BW's Simon Salem comments: "Each waterway unit is intended to be similar in length and with a similar number of physical structures. Beyond that, optimising water control and supply has been a major factor influencing proposed boundaries and we've also tried to reflect local authority and regional development agency administrative areas."

"The aim of the restructure is to achieve greater operating efficiency and, although boundaries between one waterway unit and another should be seamless, boat owners and boating trade customers in particular may wish to have a say in the final boundary decisions. This includes whether the locations of the boundaries are appropriate, plus any suggestions for the naming of particular waterway groupings."

More information about BW's proposals can be found on its website, here: www.britishwaterways.co.uk/twentytwenty.
The document "Twenty Twenty - a Vision for for the Future of our Canals and Rivers" can be downloaded here.

A short report will be published following the consultation summarising the feedback received and any changes to the boundaries made as a result.

Wakefield Problem

There are reports of a problem at Wakefield Flood Lock on the Calder and Hebble Navigation.

The gates are apparently damaged and are currently shut, with no boats being allowed through.

The gates on Wakefield Flood Lock are normally left open but they are closed when water levels rise on the river to prevent flooding of the area alongside the lock cut.

Update 18th May:
It is reported that boats are getting through the flood lock today, but engineers are on site and there may be some delays.

More information will be posted when known.


Wakefield Flood Lock.

Hold-up on Rochdale Nine

An emergency stoppage has been announced today on the "Rochdale Nine" locks through the centre of Manchester.

This is because a cill has been damaged at Lock 88 (Oxford Street Lock).

The wooden cill blocks form a watertight seal when the gates are closed. It is possible that one of the cill blocks has been struck by a boat entering or leaving the lock while the level of the pound was too low. If the cill block is damaged or dislodged, there is no watertight seal and it becomes very difficult to fill (or empty) the lock.

For the latest information about this stoppage, contact BW on 01942 405 700.

Update 18th May:
Repairs have been carried out and the stoppage has now been lifted.


Lock 88 on the Rochdale Canal.

Huddersfield Narrow re-opens

The Huddersfield Narrow Canal has been re-opened between Slaithwaite and Marsden.

This section of canal had been closed since 27th April following a "severe leak" into the culvert under the canal near Sandhill Cottages and Cellars Clough Mill, between Locks 31e and 32e.

Early repair attempts by British Waterways staff had not been successful and the leak continued. However, further efforts to plug the leak were made last Friday and the repair appears to have been successful. Two boats were allowed through the affected pound on Saturday and the stoppage notice has now been lifted.

Boaters intending to use this part of the canal or booked through Standedge Tunnel should contact the Tunnel Office on 01484 840629 to confirm their booking.


The Huddersfield Canal at Sandhill Cottages, showing the hole dug by BW last week to investigate the leak.

Huddersfield Narrow repairs continue

Repairs are continuing on the leaking curvert on the Huddersfield Narrow Canal between Slaithwaite and Marsden.

This section of canal has been closed since 27th April following a "severe leak" into the culvert under the canal near Sandhill Cottages and Cellars Clough Mill, between Locks 31e and 32e.

Previous repair attempts by British Waterways staff have not been successful and the leak continues. Further efforts to plug the leak will continue over the weekend, followed by tests to see whether or not the leak has been cured.

Boats travelling from Huddersfield may not proceed beyond Lock 23e in Slaithwaite.

Boaters intending to use this part of the canal or booked through Standedge Tunnel should contact the Tunnel Office on 01484 840629 for advice.

A further update is expected on Thursday 14th May.

The Huddersfield Canal at Sandhill Cottages, showing the hole dug by BW to investigate the leak.

The culvert into which the water is leaking. The white railings are along the canal edge.

Salterhebble Lock Nearly Ready

Normal service could soon be resumed at Salterhebble Guillotine Lock now that repairs are almost complete.

Electrical problems occurred with Salterhebble Lock in May 2008 and since then the guillotine has been manually operated by BW staff at certain times each day.

The new operating system (gear box and power transmission) has been installed and construction of the equipment platform has been completed. A period of testing now has to be carried out. Safety guards and anti-vandal measures also need to be put in place. So, for the next week, boats will be continue to be assisted by a lock keeper during the restricted hours that have been in operation:
• 9.00 am - 10.00 am daily
• 12.00 noon - 2.00 pm daily
• 4.00 pm - 6.00 pm daily

Ashton Canal could re-open 14th May

Repairs to Lock 8 of the Ashton Canal at Clayton got under way today after a series of delays. British Waterways have said that the work should be completed next week and hope to have the canal re-opened on Thursday 14th May.

The closure follows an incident on 21st April in which heavy duty wire becoming entangled in a lock gate. The cable, which had come from the adjacent Clayton Anoline demolition site, became wrapped around part of a tail gate, preventing the gate from being operated.

Following investigation it was discovered that "significant damage" had been caused to the tail gate and lower cill. Repairs required a full dewatering of the long pound between Locks 7 and 8. This meant BW had to obtain consent from the Environment Agency to carry out a fish rescue.

Once the pound was dewatered, it was apparent that "significant repairs" were required to the tail gate cills and lock floor. As this is a listed structure, consent had to be obtained from Manchester City Council's Conservation Officer.

This stoppage affects boaters travelling around the Cheshire Ring and the South Pennine Ring.

BW staff setting up pumps to drain water from the bottom of the lock so that they can carry out repairs.

Examples of the wire cable that had caused the damage to the lock. The house bricks give an idea of the thickness of the wire strands.