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