Defra announces 19% cut in funding to BW

Defra announced today that its grant to British Waterways next year will be £41.5m.

This is a reduction of £9.8m (or 19%) from the 2010/11 baseline grant of £51.3m.

British Waterways points out that, as this funding from the Government makes up approximately half of the net spend on the waterways, this will translate into an effective cut of resource available of about 12% in 2011/12.

The settlement represents the last annual grant to British Waterways in England and Wales before a longer term contract comes into place in April 2012 when the canals, rivers and docks in its care are expected to be transferred into a new charity.

Defra also indicated that funding from 2012/13 to 2014/15 would be £39m a year, with a long-term commitment that a funding contract running up to at least 2022/23 will not fall below this level.

Tony Hales, BW chairman, said: "In the current climate it would be unrealistic to expect British Waterways to be exempt from cuts in public spending and we will have to make difficult decisions to ensure the continued maintenance of the historic canals and rivers in our care. The Government's commitment to the first ever long-term public funding settlement for the waterways is, however, a good step forward and I have been heartened by ministers' continued commitment to this 'Big Society' flagship.

"Security of funding is fundamental to achieving the Government's objective of establishing a new 'national trust' for the waterways. The challenge now is to develop a funding plan which gives confidence to the incoming trustees of the new charity and retains the support of waterway stakeholders. I firmly believe this can be achieved and, while we would all have hoped for a larger settlement, we are one step closer to turning the long-held vision of a waterways charity into reality."

Barton Aqueduct out of action

The Bridgewater Canal is currently closed to navigation at Barton Swing Aqueduct. It seems that a hydraulic failure is preventing the aqueduct being swung.

It is understood that the broken pipe will not be repaired until at least (Monday 29th November).

If you need the latest information about this stoppage contact the Bridgewater Canal Company on 0161 629 8266.

Update: Bridgwater Canal Company says:
"A pressure valve has burst resulting in Barton Aqueduct being unable to swing. Unfortunately we are unable to obtain a specialist replacement part until Monday the 29th November 2010.
"Pleasure craft owners waiting to cross the Aqueduct North to South are advised to moor at Boothstown or Worsley. Pleasure craft owners waiting to cross the Aqueduct South to North are advised to moor at Castlefield or the Kings Ransom in Sale.
"Further information will be released at lunchtime on Monday 29th November 2010."

Emergency repairs at Poolstock

As reported yesterday, British Waterways were unable to re-open the canal through Poolstock in Wigan at the weekend because it was found that emergency repairs needed to be carried out to the wash wall above Poolstock Locks on the Leigh Branch.

Unfortunately, as the de-watered pound is the pound that includes the junction with the main line of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, Wigan lock flight also had to remain closed, preventing any boat movements through Wigan.

The photo of the work being carried out (below) was kindly sent by Stephen Fahey.

Photo: Stephen Fahey

Some local boaters have commented that the wash wall has been collapsed and cordoned off for a while, and wondered why the repair couldn't have been carried out at the same time as the nearby lock repair, which closed the canal for two weeks.

BW is going to issue an update regarding the stoppage on Friday 26th November.

Two boating friends have been given publicity in the media this week after claiming that they have been "marooned" above Wigan Locks for more than 3 weeks, which seems like exaggeration, since the Wigan stoppage only began on 8th November. It appears that the couple, who are heading home to London, only checked the initial stoppage list issued by BW in the Summer, and did not know about later additions to that programme. [News report]

The latest stoppage information for canals in the Pennine Waterways area is shown on this page.

Update, 29th November:
The repairs have been completed and the canal has now re-opened to navigation.

Problem extends Wigan stoppage

It had been hoped that the Wigan lock flight on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, and the Poolstock locks on the Leigh Branch would have re-opened on Saturday after two-week stoppages to repair locks.

However additional problems have come to light, making it necessary for the stoppages to continue. Emergency investigation and repair works were required on the towpath and wash wall on the Leigh Branch between Poolstock Locks and the junction with the main canal. The pound has been de-watered, including the junction. This means that navigation is not possible either through Poolstock locks or down the main Wigan lock flight.

British Waterways will issue a further update on Friday 26th November.

For any enquiries about this stoppage contact British Waterways on 01942 405700.

Update, 29th November:
The repairs have been completed and the canal has now re-opened to navigation.

Wigan Junction

Additional lock stoppages on Leeds and Liverpool

British Waterways has announced a number of additional stoppages on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal to carry out lock repairs. These will all start on Monday 8th November and could last around 2 weeks, although an end date has not been specified.

Locks affected are:
Lock 2 (Office Lock) and Lock 4 (Oddy Locks), Leeds
Lock 91, Appley Bridge (west of Wigan)
Lock 75, Wigan flight
Lock 1, Leigh Branch, Poolstock (Wigan)

These are in addition to the addition stoppages for bridge repairs announced last week.

The list of Winter Stoppages in the area covered by Pennine Waterways website will be updated each time new information is received.


Looking towards Lock 75, Wigan

Two Day Stoppage on Rochdale Nine in Manchester

The Rochdale Nine locks through the centre of Manchester will be closed for two days this week to enable paddles to be replaced.

The work will take place between 8.00 am on Wednesday 3rd November and 1.00 pm on Thursday 4th November 2010. During this period the canal will be closed to navigation along the whole of the "Rochdale Nine" section between Locks 84 and 92.

The stoppage is needed to replace paddles at Lock 86. The existing paddles are passing an excessive volume of water, making the lock difficult to operate. BW says that changing the paddles will stop the leaks and make the lock easier to operate.

During the stoppage, boats awaiting passage should moor at Piccadilly Basin above Lock 84 or in Castlefield on the Bridgewater Canal.

This stoppage will affect boaters navigating the Cheshire Ring. Enquiries about this stoppage should be made to BW on 01782 785703.


Lock 86, Rochdale Canal

Additional bridge stoppages on Leeds and Liverpool

Two additional stoppages have been announced for the Leeds and Liverpool Canal in order to repair swing bridges.

In the first stoppage, Millman Swing Bridge (bridge 214) will be closed for one week from Monday 8th November 2010. The stoppage is to enable to bridges electric motor to be replaced by mechanical engineering contractors. This bridge is at Apperley Bridge, between Shipley and the edge of Leeds.

On Monday 15th November 2010 repairs will be carried out to Stockbridge Swing Bridge (197) at Riddleston, just west of Bingley. The bridge will be closed to navigation while work is being carried out. However, boats will be allowed to pass through before 8.00 am, at 12.00 noon and after 4.00 pm. This stoppage is planned to be for one day only.

For all stoppages in the Pennine Waterways area, see Winter Stoppages 2010-2011.

Millman Bridge at Apperley Bridge

One day stoppage at Gargrave

There will be a one day stoppage tomorrow (15th October) at Lock 34 (Scarland Lock) on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal at Gargrave.

A balance beam has broken at Lock 34 and it is necessary to close the navigation between 8.00am to 4.00pm whilst a new beam is lifted into place.

For any enquiries about this stoppage contact British Waterways on 01942 405700.

Scarland Lock

Incident shuts canal near Rotherham

The canal section of the Sheffield and South Yorkshire Navigation upstream of Rotherham is currently closed while police investigate an incident.

The section concerned bypasses a long section of the River Don between Rotherham and the start of the Sheffield and Tinsley Canal. The entire cut is closed to navigation, affecting Jordans Lock, Holmes Lock and Ickles Lock.

News sources are reporting that police are searching for a missing 17-year old, after some of her possessions were believed to have been found near the canal. The towpath is also closed.

Enquiries about this stoppage should be made to BW on 0113 2816860.

Update: 5 pm 12th October:
Regrettably, police divers have found a female body in the canal near Holmes Lock. The body has not yet been identified but police treating death as suspicious. [News link]

Update: 11.30 am 14th October:
The canal will remain closed today (14th October). Further update will be given tomorrow.

Update: 5.00 pm 15th October:
The navigation through these locks has now been re-opened.


Holmes Lock, Rotherham

Two Day Stoppage on Rochdale Canal near Middleton

There is to be a two-day stoppage at Lock 61 (Scowcroft Lock) on the Rochdale Canal due to damage to the wooden cills. The lock will be closed Tuesday 12th and Wednesday 13th October.

The wooden cills that form a seal to the bottom of the gates have been damaged (possibly by a boat passing over while water levels are low) and this is making it difficult to fill the lock. The lock will re-open to navigation on Thursday 14th October.

This is a different problem from the one reported last week in which Locks 62 and 63 are only open to navigation between 9.30 am and 3.00 pm each day.

Lock 61 is not part of the 19 locks between Failsworth and Manchester that require booking, as stated in a BW stoppage notice. The Irk Aqueduct moorings, which are recommended as an overnight stop when heading into Manchester, are south of Lock 61. Boaters heading towards Manchester should moor at Slattocks (above Lock 54) until Lock 61 has re-opened.


Scowcroft Lock beyond the railway bridge

Lift Bridge Problem on Peak Forest Canal

Boaters using the Lower Peak Forest Canal between Hyde and Ashton will need to contact British Waterways to arrange passage through Stanley Lift Bridge.

The bridge in Dukinfield, half a mile from the junction with the Ashton Canal, has been giving boaters problems for a few weeks, being very heavy to operate. British Waterways staff have found that there is a problem with the main lifting ram.

Boaters requiring passage through the bridge should moor up and contact BW's Freephone Canal Helpline on 0800 4799947 and explain that you need to pass through Stanley Lift Bridge on the Peak Forest Canal. British Waterways staff should attend within 45 minutes to operate the bridge manually.

This problem will affect boaters navigating the Cheshire Ring.

Update: 5.00 pm 15th October:
The bridge has now been repaired and assistance from BW is no longer required.

Restriction on Rochdale Canal

There are restricted opening hours currently on a section of the Rochdale Canal between Chadderton and Slattocks.

BW is investigating problems with the the pound between Lock 63 (Walk Mill) and Lock 62 (Coney Green). The water level is having to be kept low and passage through the pound can only be made between 9.30 am and 3.00 pm each day.

This is the pound immediately upstream from Irk Aqueduct, the recommended overnight moorings for boats heading to or from Manchester.

Enquiries about this restriction should be made to BW on 01782 785703.

Update, 18th October 2010:
This restriction will remain in place for the rest of 2010. BW is seeking a solution to the leakage problem. BW will issue an update on 10th January 2011.


The pound between Locks 62 and 63, Rochdale Canal

Bridge Stoppage near Leeds

British Waterways has warned that there is currently a stoppage on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal at Rodley, between Leeds and Shipley.

The stoppage is to allow repairs to be carried out to Moss Swing Bridge (Bridge 118), half a mile east of Rodley. The bridge is owned by Yorkshire Water and British Waterways is working closely with Yorkshire Water to ensure this stoppage is kept to a minimum.

The stoppage takes effect from today (5th October). British Waterways will issue an update on 12th October. Enquiries about this stoppage should be made to BW on 01942 405700.

This stoppage comes as a further blow to hire boat companies and other users of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal who have been badly hit this year by the two-month closure of the 60 miles between Gargrave and Wigan.

(6th October: This item has been amended following a correction from BW who had originally stated that the bridge belonged to United Utilities.)

Update: 11th October: The repairs have been completed and the bridge has now re-opened to navigation.

Update: 4th November: Further work is to be carried out on this bridge. Between Mon 8th Nov and Thurs 11th Nov this bridge will be closed to navigation between 5.00 pm and 11.00 pm.


Moss Swing Bridge, Rodley

Barton Aqueduct Restriction

A restriction on opening times for Barton Swing Aqueduct has been announced. With effect from today until Thursday 30th September the aqueduct will be open to navigation by boats on the Bridgewater Canal between 9.15 am and 4.30 pm only.

This is due to temporary electrical problems with the aqueduct.

Normal Winter opening hours (9.15 am to 4.30 pm) will commence on 1st October. (In effect this means that the Winter opening times start a week early. The aqueduct would normally have been open until 9.00 pm up until 30th September.)


Barton Aqueduct seen from the Ship Canal

Leeds and Liverpool hire boat company to close

Rosewood Narrowboats, one of the hire boat companies forced to re-locate during the recent closure of 60 miles of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, is to cease operating at the end of the season.

Rosewood Narrowboats, which has been running for 5 years, has a fleet of seven narrowboats between 45 and 60 feet in length, catering for parties of between 4 and 8 people.

The company is based at Reedley Marina, near Burnley, which was in the middle of the closed section of canal. In order to continue in business and not to let customers down, the company's operation was transferred to Nantwich on the Shropshire Union Canal in Cheshire.

Nigel Feeney, who runs the family company, said that transferring everything to Nantwich had been a big upheaval and that a lot of time was spent travelling down there from Blackburn four times a week to turn the boats around.

The business will continue to run until the end of the season but will then close. The main factor behind the decision was the closure of half of the Leeds and Liverpool this year and the risk that this could be repeated in future years. Water supply has been an ongoing problem and there have been restrictions on lock use in previous years.

"It was a carefully thought out decision," Nigel told us. "We had to weigh up the risks, and I did not have enough confidence that it would not happen again."

"We have been selling holidays on the Leeds and Liverpool, and 99% of our customers want to go up over the summit to enjoy the scenic rural part of the canal. Our bookings have dropped off and the canal closure has damaged future bookings."

Nigel said that operating at Nantwich had worked quite well but had been costly in time and money. He had looked at the possibility of re-locating permanently but that would have needed a move of house because of the travelling time involved.

"We are doing this out of passion," said Nigel. "It has taken time and effort to get to where we are, but we can't drive the business forward when things like this happen that are out of our control."

The news comes just as boats start moving again on the canal. The section between Wigan and Colne re-opened last Friday and the remaining 20 miles between Barrowford Locks and Gargrave re-opened today. The sixty mile stretch was closed on August 2nd when reservoir levels reached exceptionally low levels.


Photo: Rosewood Narrowboats

Rain improves Leeds and Liverpool reservoir levels at last

The latest figures from British Waterways showing the levels of the four reservoirs dedicated to feeding the Leeds and Liverpool Canal's summit show that the total amount of water held has increased substantially since last week, thanks to heavy rain in the area. This means that British Waterways is now re-opening the canal between Wigan and Gargrave.

The reservoirs are now holding 17.7% of their capacity, which is 3.1% more than last week's figure of 14.6%.

British Waterways had said that levels would need to rise to around 20% before they could consider re-opening the 60-mile closed section of canal. However, the figure of 17.7% combined with further rain since the readings were taken has given BW the confidence to re-open part of the canal today and the rest next week. BW has calculated that there is now a less than 10% risk that the reservoirs will not be able to satisfy demand over the rest of the boating "season". The levels are still lower than normal so there will be restrictions on lock opening times.

While Lower Foulridge reservoir is still at just 11.1% of capacity, the other reservoirs are well up. In addition, the holding of Winterburn reservoir is now 76.7%, an increase of 17.9% on the previous week. Winterburn is not included in the figures for the summit reservoirs as there is a statutory obligation to provide compensation water from Winterburn into Eshton Beck, but the high levels mean that some water can be fed into the canal as well.


The reservoir holdings as of 13th September were:

reservoir	capacity when full	current holding	percentage of capacity	change since last week
Lower Foulridge	1,557 million litres	156 million litres	11.1%	up 1.1%
Upper Foulridge	442 million litres	97.6 million litres	28.5%	up 6.4%
Slipperhill	170 million litres	50.8 million litres	42.5%	up 12.7%
Whitemoor	658 million litres	108 million litres	19.4%	up 3.0%
average holdings of these 4 reservoirs			17.7%	up 3.1%

Boats will soon be passing through Greenberfield Locks again.

Leeds and Liverpool Canal to re-open in two stages

British Waterways has announced that the closed section of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal is to re-open in two stages, after the latest review of the reservoir levels.

The 40 mile section between Wigan and Barrowford will re-open on Friday 17th September. The remaining 20 miles from Barrowford to Gargrave will re-open on Wednesday 22nd September.

British Waterways staff are removing stop planks from above the Wigan, Johnsons Hillock and Blackburn lock flights in readiness for Friday's re-opening. Barrowford, Greenberfield, Bank Newton and Gargrave lock flights will re-open next Wednesday.

Restricted passage on the Wigan flight will resume as before the closure, i.e: ONE supervised passage starting at 10.00 am between Locks 65 (Wigan Top Lock) & Lock 85 (above junction with Leigh Branch. Any boats arriving after this time will have to wait until 10.00 am the following day for the next available passage.

Passage through other lock flights will be restricted to 9.00 am to 4.00 pm.

Vince Moran, operations director for British Waterways, says that the re-opening has been made possible by a significant increase in rainfall in the last two weeks.

He said, "We would like to express our sincere thanks to all of our customers, boating businesses and members of the public for their patience and understanding during this demanding time."

"While the canal has been closed we have been able to bring forward a number of projects which would otherwise have been carried out during the winter, including lock gate replacements and repairs and leak prevention works," said Mr Moran, adding that BW hopes to have a much reduced maintenance program on the canal throughout the Winter stoppage season.

Waterway manager Debbie Lumb said that three pairs of head gates have been installed (at Lock 44 Greenberfield, Lock 61 Johnson’s Hillock and Lock 65 Wigan Flight). In addition to the head gates being replaced, the tail gates, ground paddles and faulty masonry have been repaired or modified. Also wash wall repairs, by-wash maintenance and leak prevention works have been carried out.


Wigan Locks, Leeds and Liverpool Canal

Radio 4 Programme on Leeds and Liverpool

BBC Radio 4's "Open Country" programme was devoted to the Leeds and Liverpool Canal this week.

In particular the programme dealt with some of the issues around the closure of the 60-mile stretch between Wigan and Gargrave.

Presenter Helen Marks spoke to boaters who live aboard boats on the canal. She spoke with BW's Vince Moran about the reason for the recent closure of almost half of the canal. Mike Clarke of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal Society tells Helen about the canal's history and about his involvement with the Short Boat Kennet, one of the last unconverted boats which worked on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal.

The programme can be listened to on-line for the next few days by following this link.

New Manager for BW North East

British Waterways has appointed a new manager for its North East area based at Leeds.

Jon Horsfall, 39, comes to BW after a successful 20 years at United Utilities. Trained as a chemist, Jon's experience includes operations management, commercial activities, capital investment, water quality, safety and efficiency.

"BW is a custodian of one of the most important network of heritage structures in the country," said Jon. "Since my arrival I've been blown away by the passion and enthusiasm of my new team.

Jon is looking forward to the challenges ahead. "It's an exciting time to join the organisation as we work towards making the move to the third sector and all the challenges this will bring," he said. "My priorities are safety, customer service and increased efficiency and I'm looking forward to meeting our customers as I get to know the patch better in the coming months."


Jon Horsfall

Unwise boaters intimidated by youths

Two boaters were intimidated by a group of youngsters and left stranded after they unwisely chose to travel along an urban canal as darkness fell.

The pair, in their 30s, set out along the Ashton Canal in the evening and attracted the unwelcome attention of a group of youngsters who first spat from a bridge, then asked for money for a "mooring fee". The youngsters then opened paddles on a lock, leaving the boat aground away from the bank.

The two men, although not harmed, were worried that the youths would return, and stayed on the boat until morning, when they re-filled the pound.

The incident has been widely reported in press and television, although some reports failed to mention that the incident took place at 8.30 pm.

The Ashton Canal at one time had a bad reputation and some boaters are still put off the canal by hearing out-dated stories of doom. The truth is that the Ashton Canal is now considered to be safe - no worse than other urban canals. It is used by hundreds of boats each week, doing the Cheshire Ring, without any incident worse than getting rubbish on the propeller. However, groups of youngsters are known to congregate near the canal in the evenings and it is the accepted wisdom that boating between Droylsden and Ancoats should be done during the daytime.

It is unfortunate that the two young men, who live in Stockport, chose to travel through the Clayton area so late in the evening and that they have then gone to the media with their story.

Other boaters should not be put off travelling along the Ashton Canal as a result of this incident as long as they plan their journeys so that they travel during the daytime.


The Ashton Canal at Clayton

Leeds and Liverpool Reservoirs: Levels not improving

The latest figures from British Waterways showing the levels of the four reservoirs dedicated to feeding the Leeds and Liverpool Canal's summit show that the total amount of water held has reduced slightly since last week. This is disappointing news for anyone hoping for a swift re-opening of the canal between Wigan and Gargrave.

The reservoirs are currently holding just 14.6% of their capacity, which is 0.1% less than last week's figure of 14.7%. At this time of year British Waterways would expect these levels to be around 60%. Levels will need to rise to around 20% before BW can consider re-opening the 60-mile closed section of canal.

While the two smallest reservoirs are still more than 20% full, the largest of the four reservoirs, Lower Foulridge, is at just 10% of capacity, a reduction of 0.4% in the last week.

A spokesman for British Waterways explained that the reduction was due to "transpiration" due to the warm weather during the previous week. The current week has been wetter and it is hoped that the figures to be published next week will be more encouraging.

There had been concern for the well-being of fish in pounds on the Gargrave flight that were drying up but recent rain has helped to raise the levels of these pounds.

The reservoir holdings as of 6th September were:

reservoir	capacity when full	current holding	percentage of capacity	change since last week
Lower Foulridge	1,557 million litres	156 million litres	10.0%	down 0.4%
Upper Foulridge	442 million litres	97.6 million litres	22.1%	up 0.2%
Slipperhill	170 million litres	50.8 million litres	29.8%	up 0.1%
Whitemoor	658 million litres	108 million litres	16.4%	up 0.1%
average holdings of these 4 reservoirs			14.6%	down 0.1%

BW is constantly reviewing the situation with all the reservoirs feeding the canal with the hope of re-opening the navigation as soon as this can be done. On Monday BW suggested to the Lancashire Telegraph that the canal could remain closed until October.

The reservoir at Winterburn (capacity 1,270 million litres) is not included in these calculations at present because of BW's statutory obligation to supply a compensation feed back into the Eshton Beck (although some of this is being fed into the canal at Holme Bridge to maintain levels through to Skipton and Bingley).

The feed to the Leeds and Liverpool Canal summit was cut at the start of August, when reservoir levels were approaching 10%, resulting in the current closure of the sixty miles of waterway between Gargrave and Wigan. Some water has to be left in each reservoir to preserve the wildlife.

Foulridge Upper Reservoir. Photo: Richard Carpenter

Lift Bridge Problem on Rochdale Canal

A problem with Grimshaw Lane Lift Bridge is causing possible delays for boaters on the Rochdale Canal between Rochdale and Manchester.

The vertical lift bridge, which has had a number of problems since it was constructed in 2002, is currently undergoing repair and is not operable by boaters. Those wishing to pass through the bridge should contact British Waterways on 01782 785703 to arrange a passage.

Grimshaw Lane Lift Bridge is two miles north of the 19 locks between Manchester and Failsworth which require a booked passage, and between those locks and the recommended overnight stop at Irk Aqueduct/Rose of Lancaster.

Update, 10th Sept. 11.00 am:
The repairs to the bridge have been completed and normal boater operation of the lift bridge has resumed. There is no longer a need to arrange passage through the bridge.


Grimshaw Lane Lift Bridge

Leeds and Liverpool Reservoirs: Slow Progress Continues

The levels of the four reservoirs dedicated to feeding the Leeds and Liverpool Canal's summit are continuing to fill slowly, but it will still be some time before British Waterways will be able to re-open the canal between Wigan and Gargrave.

The reservoirs are currently holding just 14.7% of their capacity, which is 1.6% more than last week's figure of 13.1%. At this time of year British Waterways would expect these levels to be around 60%. Levels will need to rise to around 20% before BW can consider re-opening the 60-mile closed section of canal.

While the two smallest reservoirs are currently more than 20% full, the largest of the four reservoirs, Lower Foulridge, is at just 10.4% of capacity and this has increased by only 0.2% in the last week.

The reservoir holdings as of 30th August were:

reservoir	capacity when full	current holding	percentage of capacity	change since last week
Lower Foulridge	1,557 million litres	162 million litres	10.4%	up 0.2%
Upper Foulridge	442 million litres	96 million litres	21.9%	up 3.7%
Slipperhill	170 million litres	50 million litres	29.7%	up 7.7%
Whitemoor	658 million litres	107 million litres	16.3%	up 2.2%
average holdings of these 4 reservoirs			14.7%	up 1.6%

BW is constantly reviewing the situation with all the reservoirs feeding the canal with the hope of re-opening the navigation as soon as this can be done. On Monday BW suggested to the Lancashire Telegraph that the canal could remain closed until October.

The reservoir at Winterburn (capacity 1,270 million litres) is not included in these calculations at present because of BW's statutory obligation to supply a compensation feed back into the Eshton Beck (although some of this is being fed into the canal at Holme Bridge to maintain levels through to Skipton and Bingley).

The feed to the Leeds and Liverpool Canal summit was cut at the start of August, when reservoir levels were approaching 10%, resulting in the current closure of the sixty miles of waterway between Gargrave and Wigan. Some water has to be left in each reservoir to preserve the wildlife.

Foulridge Upper Reservoir. Photo: Richard Carpenter

Now Leeds and Liverpool suffering from Algae

There is more bad news for the Leeds and Liverpool Canal. The shortage of water is leading to a new problem - the lack of boat movement is allowing blue green algae to spread fast on some parts of the canal.

The Lancashire Telegraph is warning people to avoid contact with canal water in East Lancashire, where the toxic algae is becoming a problem.

A British Waterways spokesman told the newspaper that the lack of water movement had allowed the canal to stagnate and bacteria to grow, while high winds had helped it to spread.

BW warned that the bacteria can leave people seriously ill and advise anyone affected to see a doctor, as contact with the algae could lead to allergic reactions such as itchy eyes, skin irritation, stomach upsets and symptoms like hay fever. The algae could be fatal to dogs and other animals.

The algae results in a paint-like scum on the water surface, which can be blue, green or brown in colour and contain toxins.

At the moment the worst-affected areas are around Rishton and Barrowford, with warning signings appearing.

The newspaper reports that BW has indicated that the canal could remain closed until October.

Read the full story on the Lancashire Telegraph website here.


Leeds and Liverpool Canal at Rishton

Plug Those Leaks, Farmers tell BW

A Skipton newspaper is today reporting that farmers are taking British Waterways to task for failing to tackle leaks from the Leeds and Liverpool Canal.

The Craven Herald tells how farmers at Bank Newton, East and West Marton and Greenberfield have reported leaks from the canal onto their land, with "knee-high bogs" which have trapped livestock. One farmer claims to have 20 leaks resulting in areas of land too soft for machinery to be used. The farmers say that land is becoming unproductive and dangerous.

The report claims the farmers say BW "refuses to act or acknowledge their liability" and that it is "beyond belief" that BW has shut 60 miles of the canal while water continues to seep out from the canal. They are also concerned about the loss of trade by small businesses in the area that depend on visiting boaters.

A British Waterways spokesman told the paper that leaks were being repaired as money became available. "There are always going to be some leaks in this canal because of its nature. It is a clay base and very old and we have to prioritise our works programme to ensure the safety of our customers, the integrity of this historic structure and protection of wildlife." The spokesman told the paper that they were trying to reopen the canal as soon as possible.

Read the full story here on the Craven Herald website.


Canal contouring round the side of the hill at Green Bank near East Marton

Legs Crossed on the Macclesfield

Boaters using the Macclesfield Canal over the Bank Holiday weekend may be in for a little inconvenience. British Waterways has warned that the pump-out facility at Bosley Locks has suffered a major mechanical breakdown and that it will not be possible to get the necessary parts until after Bank Holiday Monday.

BW advises anyone hoping to empty their tanks over the weekend that the nearest BW pump-out facilities are at Red Bull on the Trent and Mersey Canal.

There are non-BW facilities at Macclesfield Canal Centre, Bollington Wharf, Lyme View Marina and at Heritage Marina (Scolar Green) as well as at Portland Basin Marina near the junction of the Peak Forest and Ashton Canals.

Enquiries about this problem should be made to BW on 01782 785703.

Slow Recovery for Leeds and Liverpool Reservoirs

There is little cheer for boaters and waterway businesses in the latest reservoir statistics from British Waterways. The Leeds and Liverpool Canal's reservoir levels are recovering only slowly and there does not appear to be much prospect of the central part of this canal re-opening in the near future.

The four reservoirs dedicated to feeding the Leeds and Liverpool Canal's summit are currently holding just 13.1% of their capacity, which is 0.8% more than last week's figure of 12.3%. At this time of year British Waterways would expect these levels to be around 65%. Levels will need to rise to around 20% before BW can consider re-opening the 60-mile closed section of canal between Wigan and Gargrave.

While the two smallest reservoirs are currently around 20% full, they would quickly become drained if the feed to the canal was switched on. The largest of the four reservoirs, Lower Foulridge, is at just 10.2% of capacity and this has not changed in the last week.

The reservoir holdings as of 23rd August were:

reservoir	capacity when full	current holding	percentage of capacity
Lower Foulridge	1,557 million litres	160 million litres	10.2%
Upper Foulridge	442 million litres	80 million litres	18.2%
Slipperhill	170 million litres	37.5 million litres	22.0%
Whitemoor	658 million litres	93 million litres	14.1%
average holdings of these 4 reservoirs			13.1%

A spokesman for British Waterways explained that, although it has rained a great deal in many parts of the north, not enough of this rain has been falling in the Colne area of the Pennines where these reservoirs are situated. He said that this has also affected United Utilities' reservoirs in the area but, unlike United Utilities, BW does not have the facility available of pumping water from Cumbria.

The reservoir at Winterburn (capacity 1,270 million litres) is not included in these calculations at present because of BW's statutory obligation to supply a compensation feed back into the Eshton Beck (although some of this is being fed into the canal at Holme Bridge to maintain levels through to Skipton and Bingley).

BW is constantly reviewing the situation with all the reservoirs feeding the canal with the hope of re-opening the navigation as soon as this can be done.

The feed to the Leeds and Liverpool Canal summit was cut at the start of August, when reservoir levels were approaching 10%, resulting in the current closure of the sixty miles of waterway between Gargrave and Wigan. Some water has to be left in each reservoir to preserve the wildlife.


Foulridge Lower Reservoir - the level is usually half way up the stones. Photo: Richard Carpenter

 

Foulridge Upper Reservoir. Photo: Richard Carpenter

Book now for Liverpool or Lancaster

Boaters who have been waiting for a chance to visit Liverpool or the Lancaster Canal are now able once again to make a booking.

Due to the water supply problems, on 5th July British Waterways stopped taking bookings for boats to use the Liverpool Canal Link to reach Liverpool Docks or the Ribble Link to reach the Lancaster Canal.

Today BW has announced that they have resumed taking bookings for passage from 1st September onwards. However, BW also warns that fluctuating water levels may result in changes at short notice.

Boaters wishing to book a passage through to Liverpool or to book a passage on the Ribble Link to get get to or from the Lancaster Canal should contact BW's Wigan office on 01942 405700.

The section of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal between Wigan junction and Holme Bridge Lock, Gargrave, will remain closed for the time being.


Liverpool Canal Link

Better Outlook for Rochdale Canal

The outlook for boaters wanting to use the Rochdale Canal is looking even better this week after British Waterways announced a further relaxation of the restrictions that have been in place.

Coinciding with the lifting of a hose-pipe ban in the area, BW is now taking bookings for passage over the Summit until the end of September.

The current restriction of just 2 boats a day in each direction will be lifted next Wednesday, 25th August. For a week from then until Tuesday 31st August, 6 boats a day in each direction will be allowed.

Then from Wednesday 1st September until the end of September, bookings will be taken for 4 boats a day in each direction. BW will review the situation during that time to see if this figure can be increased. BW points out that these arrangements are subject to sufficient water continuing to be available.

BW thanks its customers for customers for their patience during what it acknowledges has been a very difficult time operationally.

Boaters wishing to book a passage across the Summit or between Failsworth and Manchester should contact BW on 01782 785703.


Rochdale Canal at Warland

Low pounds delay boaters through Leeds

In another blow to boaters using the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, the canal between Newlay Lock and Office Lock in Leeds has been closed temporarily because of low water levels on a number of pounds.

British Waterways has said that an update notice will be issued on Monday 23rd August.

The 4.5 miles of waterway between Lock 13 (Newlay 3-rise) and Lock 2 (Office Lock) was closed for the same reason on Monday, although no stoppage notice was issued. Paddles had been left open on Monday, although it was not known whether this was by boaters. BW ground staff worked hard to restore levels and the canal was re-opened the following morning.

If we hear that the canal has re-opened before 23rd August we will publish that information here.

Enquiries about this stoppage should be made to BW on 01942 405700.

Update: 20th August
BW has issued an update saying the canal will re-open to navigation on Monday 23rd August.


Office Lock, Leeds

Not much water yet for Leeds and Liverpool Canal

Today's photograph of Foulridge Upper Reservoir taken by Richard Carpenter will not give any joy to boaters wanting to use the Leeds and Liverpool Canal. Richard says that the water level is usually well up onto the darker stones, which gives some idea of how low it currently is.


Photo: Richard Carpenter

Reservoirs that supply the Leeds and Liverpool's central sections are holding less than half the amount of water that they held in June. When levels were approaching 10% British Waterways decided to cut the feed to the canal at the start of August, resulting in the current closure of the sixty miles of waterway between Gargrave and Wigan. Some water had to be left in each reservoir to preserve the wildlife.

British Waterways will only re-open the closed part of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal once reservoir holdings have recovered sufficiently. In spite of recent heavy rainfall it could well be several weeks before this can happen.

Rochdale Nine Closed

The "Rochdale Nine" flight of locks through the centre of Manchester has been closed to navigation.

This follows an incident in which a boat struck a gate at Lock 92 (Duke's Lock). The impact resulted in the lock gate lifting and snapping the anchor plate that holds the gate in place.

British Waterways report that the gate is now loose and needs securing. The canal has had to be closed until the repair is completed. BW is hopeful that the Canal will reopen by 8.00 am on Tuesday 17th August 2010.

Boaters on the Bridgewater Canal intending to travel up the Rochdale Nine should moor at Castlefield and boaters intending to travel down the Rochdale Nine should moor at Piccadilly Basin (Ducie Street) until the canal has been re-opened.

This stoppage affects boaters navigating the Cheshire Ring between the Bridgewater and Ashton Canals. Any enquiries regarding this stoppage should be made to BW on 01782 785703.

Update: 17th August
The repair has been completed and the navigation has now re-opened.


Lock 92, Rochdale Canal

Lock closed on Aire and Calder

Woodnock Lock on the Aire and Calder Navigation is currently closed to navigation.

British Waterways has announced that, due to a sluice failure, the lock is inoperable. BW staff are carrying out repairs and hope to have the lock re-opened by Wednesday 11th August at 4.00 pm.

This stoppage is on the Wakefield branch of the navigation between Castleford and Stanley Ferry and will affect boaters heading to or from the Calder and Hebble Navigation. Boaterd travelling between Leeds, Castleford and Knottingley will not be affected.

Any enquiries regarding this stoppage should be made to BW on 0113 2816860.

Update: 10th August
Repairs have been completed and the lock will re-open to navigation today at 4.00 pm.


Woodnock Lock

BW statement on water situation

British Waterways has issued a statement regarding the water supply situation on certain northern canals. The main points are:

Leeds and Liverpool Canal - closed between Wigan and Gargrave. While a few days of heavy rain recently was welcome it made only a slight difference to the overall reservoir holdings. The most responsive reservoir was Winterburn, but the result of the rain was only enough to support the canal for 3 extra days. The combined holdings of the other reservoirs that supply the summit of the canal are now 10.7%. (BW has previously said that the canal can only be re-opened once levels reach 20%.)

Stop planks are in place above the top locks of the Wigan, Johnson's Hillock, Blackburn, Barrowford, Greenberfield and Bank Newton top locks and at Stegneck Lock on the Gargrave flight.

In addition, paddle gear is being temporarily disabled at the bottom lock on these flights, to prevent boaters attempting to ascend the locks and becoming stranded.

Rochdale Canal
There is some risk of running short of water before the end of the season. United Utilities have given BW assurances that they can sustain the current 1 Million Gallons per Day from Chelburn Reservoir into the summit pound until the Autumn, as long as sufficient rain falls. BW is confident that this will allow them to maintain a limited amount of navigation across the summit although there may be occasional local issues with low water levels. The two river feeds are still in use but there are restrictions on one of them.

Huddersfield Narrow Canal
There is a low risk - less than 10% - that there will be insufficient water to last until the end of the season, although BW will continue to monitor the situation.

Peak Forest and Macclesfield Canals
Two of the four reservoirs are blow average levels. There is a low risk - less than 10% - that there will be insufficient water to last until the end of the season.

Rochdale Canal to stay open

There is some good news for boaters as BW announces that the Rochdale Canal will remain open. This news comes 2 days after the closure of 60 miles of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal. BW has been working with its main water supplier to secure additional resources for the Rochdale Canal.

There had been worries that the Rochdale Canal might be next to run out of water. Passage across the Summit has been restricted and BW had not been taking bookings beyond mid-August. However, BW is now confident enough that water supplies can be maintained that bookings are now being taken for passages across the Summit up to the end of August. Phone BW on 01782 785703 if you wish to make a booking. BW will contact boaters who have made provisional bookings to see if these are still required.

The current restriction of two boats a day in each direction announced a month ago will continue for the foreseeable future. BW also warns that, even though bookings are being taken, passage cannot be guaranteed, because of the ongoing water situation.

BW warns that emergency works are also being targeted at repairs to prevent water loss and that these works may lead to short stoppages.

The stoppage last month at Sowerby Bridge has now been resolved by a temporary pumping scheme but boaters should be patient if they experience any temporary shortage of water.

BW also urges boaters to help matters by ensuring that all paddles are fully closed after use.


Badly leaking gate on Rochdale Canal

Sixty Miles of Leeds and Liverpool Closed

A sixty mile stretch of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal has been closed to by British Waterways because of a shortage of water, in spite of recent rain.

The closure is between Lock 30 (Holme Bridge) at Gargrave and Lock 85 in Wigan. The lock flights affected are the Gargrave, Bank Newton, Greenberfield, Barrowford, Blackburn, Johnson's Hillock and Wigan.

All the locks along this stretch of canal will be closed, with locks padlocked and stop planks in place above the top lock of each flight.

The stop planks will help to reduce water loss from the long pounds above each flight to maintain levels for moored boats and protect the aquatic ecology but BW warns that some water will naturally drain from the canal once the feed from the reservoirs is no longer in place and that people with boats moored along the canal should regularly monitor and adjust mooring ropes.

British Waterways says that the seven reservoirs that feed the central section of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal are down to around 10% of capacity. BW will consider re-opening the canal in stages once reservoir levels reach 20% again.

The remainder of the canal is supplemented by local river feeds so it at less risk, although the previous restrictions will continue to apply to those sections after August 2nd.

Update: 9th August
The canal remains closed between Lock 30 (Holme Bridge) at Gargrave and Lock 85 in Wigan.


Holme Bridge Lock at Gargrave

Keadby Bridge Stoppage

There is a stoppage on the Stainforth and Keadby Canal at Keadby Bridge.

The wedges at Keadby Swing Bridge have failed, making the bridge inoperable. The bridge is adjacent to Keadby Lock onto the tidal River Trent and the stoppage means that boats will be unable to enter or leave the River Trent at Keadby.

This road bridge is owned by Lincolnshire County Council and British Waterways is waiting for an indication from them as to when the bridge will be repaired.

Boaters wishing to travel through Keadby should call Freephone Canals on 0800 4799947 for the latest updates.

Update: 2nd August
North Lincolnshire Council are awaiting parts in order to begin repair work. They are hoping works will be completed by Thursday 5th August.

Council staff are operating the bridge once a day depending on the tide times at Keadby. Please contact the Lock Keeper for further details if you wish to book passage through, on 07733 124611.

Paddle Failure Shuts Leeds Lock

Failure of the head gate paddles has forced the closure of Leeds Lock on the Aire and Calder Navigation.

BW has announced that repairs to the lock will begin this morning but an update will not be given until tomorrow evening (20th July).

Leeds Lock is adjacent to The Armouries museum in Leeds. Boats will still be able to travel between the Leeds and Liverpool Canal and Clarence Dock, but will not be able to reach Clarence Dock from Knostrop lock cut.

Any enquiries regarding this stoppage should be made to BW on 0113 2816860.

Update: 20th July
Divers will be on site to install the repaired sluices tomorrow (21st July). BW will issue a further update tomorrow evening.

Update: 21st July
The lock re-opened at 5 pm today with a lock keeper to assist. Further work is to be carried out tomorrow morning (22nd July) which could involve delays for boaters of up to one hour.


Leeds Lock

Another Huddersfield Stoppage

The Huddersfield Narrow Canal may be the only Trans-Pennine canal not currently threatened with closure by water supply shortages, but it is having more than its share of short stoppages!

Lock 5e at Paddock, Huddersfield, is currently closed because of debris blocking a paddle. British Waterways staff are clearing the debris but the problem has allowed the long pound above the lock to drain.

Because the dry weather means BW has to be more careful than normal with the water in the canal, it is expected to take up to 24 hours to restore this section of canal to navigable levels.

BW will issue an update when the canal re-opens. Any enquiries regarding this stoppage should be made to BW on 01782 785703.

Update: 19th July
BW issued an update saying the lock would be closed on 19th and 20th July.


Lock 5e below Longroyd railway viaduct.

Leeds and Liverpool runs out of water

Water supplies to the Leeds and Liverpool Canal are running dry. British Waterways has announced that, from Monday 2nd August, sixty miles of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal between Wigan and Gargrave is to be closed to navigation.

All the locks along this stretch of canal will be closed, with locks padlocked and stop planks put in place above the top lock of each flight.

The closure will be between Lock 30 (Holme Bridge) at Gargrave and Lock 85 in Wigan. The lock flights affected are the Gargrave, Bank Newton, Greenberfield, Barrowford, Blackburn, Johnson's Hillock and Wigan.

The stop planks will help to reduce water loss from the long pounds above each flight to maintain levels for moored boats and protect the aquatic ecology but BW warns that some water will naturally drain from the canal once the feed from the reservoirs is no longer in place and that people with boats moored along the canal should regularly monitor and adjust mooring ropes.

Until 1st August, the current restrictions will continue to apply.

BW predicts that by the start of August the seven reservoirs that feed the Leeds and Liverpool Canal will be down to 10% of capacity.

The remainder of the canal is supplemented by local river feeds so it at less risk, although the current restrictions will continue to apply to those sections after August 2nd. The section west of Wigan is fed by the River Douglas which is at "medium risk". If water levels drop much lower BW may be forced to extend the closure westwards. The supply to the canal between Skipton and Leeds is not currently at risk although monitoring continues.

BW will consider re-opening the canal in stages once reservoir levels reach 20% again.


Holme Bridge Lock at Gargrave

Marsden incident shuts canal

A police 'incident' has shut the Huddersfield Narrow Canal in Marsden.

Police are carrying out investigations at Lock 39e next to Warehouse Hill Road. Boaters are asked not to attempt to move water or boats through the locks. The towpath is also closed.

BW will issue an update when the lock becomes available for navigation. Any enquiries regarding this stoppage should be made to BW on 01782 785703.

Update: 13th July 10.00 am
BW announces canal has now re-opened for navigation.

Paul Shaw tweets that police helicopter seen hovering over Marsden this morning.

Huddersfield Examiner reports that a body was found in the canal at 7 am. Police had searched last night for a dog walker who had failed to return home.


Lock 39e in Marsden

Huddersfield Canal locks closed after boat damage

Impatient boaters have damaged cills on two locks on the Huddersfeild Narrow Canal, resulting in stoppages.

There is an emergency stoppage today at Lock 17w in Mossley as BW staff repair the cill.

A similar emergency stoppage will close Lock 7e between Huddersfield and Milnsbridge on Thursday 8th and Friday 9th July.

Any enquiries regarding these stoppages should be made to BW on 01782 785703.

In both cases the wooden cill has been damaged by boaters attempting to enter or leave the lock while water levels were too low. This has happened a number of times in recent years. There are several pounds on the Huddersfield Narrow that are regularly low, so boaters should be alert to the risk of damaging the cill.

Boaters should be aware that, when closed, a lock gate butts up to a wooden cill that forms a water-tight seal against the gate. These wooden cills are usually slightly higher than the adjacent canal bed. Attempting to enter or leave a lock when water levels are too low can result in the boat's skeg catching the cill and damaging it, or even ripping it out of place.

This will mean a water-tight seal cannot be made, making it difficult (or impossible) to completely empty or fill the lock.

When levels are low, boaters should proceed slowly and be prepared to stop and back off it the boat makes contact with the wooden cill. Forcing the boat over a cill is selfish and could result in other boaters having their holidays spoilt by a stoppage. The best course of action is to send someone to open the next paddle above the cill in question and wait until water levels are high enough to cross a cill without making contact. (Only enough water should be released to increase the water level sufficiently. The paddle should then be closed again to prevent the pound above also becoming too low.)

Update 9th July:
Repairs at Lock 7e have been completed ahead of schedule and the lock has now re-opened to navigation.


Lock 17w cill being repaired in 2008

Tuel Deep Lock closed

Tuel Deep Lock, along with Locks 1 & 2 on the Rochdale Canal at Sowerby Bridge, will be closed for at least two days as a result of the continuing dry period.

Tuel Deep Lock is the deepest lock on the canal system, with a fall of 19' 8½". It replaced Locks 3 and 4 when the canal was restored and its use puts a heavy demand on the pound above. Although the pound is 2.5 miles long, it is not deep and quickly becomes depleted. It is normally topped up by a river feed at Luddenden Foot but, because of the dry weather, BW has been required to stop abstracting this water.

The level of the pound above Tuel Deep Lock has fallen more than expected over the weekend, making it necessary to close the locks below. BW is investigating the cause of the water loss and looking at other ways of feeding water to the area.

It is expected to take several days to restore water levels and BW will issue an update tomorrow evening (6th June). In the meantime, Tuel Deep Lock and Locks 1 and 2 will remain closed.

Maintaining water level on the the pound above Tuel Lane has been an ongoing problem for BW and they have sometimes had to install temporary pumps to back-pump water.

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

Update 6th July:
British Waterways now intends to install "a significant temporary pumping scheme" at Sowerby Bridge but this is unlikely to be in place before the weekend. It is hoped that navigation through Sowerby Bridge can be resumed by Monday 12th July.

Update 8th July:
Work to install the pumping scheme starts Friday 9th July. BW warns that it will now be Tuesday evening (13th July) before the work is completed.

Update 13th July:
The pumps will not be in operation until tomorrow (14th July). BW is hoping to re-open the canal in Sowerby Bridge around midday.

Update 14th July:
The locks through Sowerby Bridge have now re-opened.


Tuel Deep Lock, Rochdale Canal

Emergency stoppage at Wigan Top Lock

Wigan Top Lock on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal is closed today for emergency paddle repairs.

It is necessary to lower water levels to enable a repair to a ground paddle. The Wigan lock flight will be closed for today only.

BW expects passage to resume from 10.00 on Tuesday 6th July.

Enquiries about this stoppage should be made to BW on 01942 405700.


Wigan Top Lock

Water shortage hits Liverpool and Ribble Link bookings

The continuing water shortage in the North-West, already affecting the Rochdale and Leeds & Liverpool Canals, is now causing problems for boaters hoping to visit Liverpool or the Ribble Link.

From today British Waterways will be taking no further bookings for boats to use the Liverpool Canal Link to reach Liverpool Docks or the Ribble Link to reach the Lancaster Canal.

Boaters who have already made bookings will have those bookings honoured by BW, although that may change if the situation worsens.

BW will issue an update on Friday 9th July.

Enquiries about these restrictions should be made to BW on 01942 405700.


Liverpool Canal Link

Bridgewater Canal film wins award

A short film about the Bridgewater Canal has won a prestigious photography award.

The film, just 2 minutes 23 seconds long and produced by Felix Clay, was one of the Barton's Britain series produced by The Guardian. It can be viewed by clicking the big arrow on the image below. (Click the 4 small arrows bottom right to view full screen; hit Esc to return to this page.)

Barton's Britain: The Bridgewater Canal from Felix Clay on Vimeo.

(If the embedded video does not appear, click here to view.)

The Press Photographer's Year is a competition for UK-based professional photographers working in the media. The Guardian won three awards this year.

More short films in the Barton's Britain series can be viewed here.

.

Rochdale restrictions start to bite

As water resources on the Rochdale Canal summit are diminishing with no sign in near future of replenishment, BW is reducing the number of passages across the summit. Only two boats a day in each direction will be allowed passage.

Boaters should book their passage through the Red Bull office on 01782 785703 in the usual way, but be aware that the date they want may not always be available due to other bookings.

Bookings are not currently being accepted for passages for mid-August onwards.

Some rain fell falling in the area overnight but not enough yet to make any appreciable difference to the supply situation.

Any enquiries regarding the situation should be made to BW on 01782 785703.


Summit level, Rochdale Canal

Rochdale stoppage to fix leaky aqueduct

There is to be a stoppage on the east side of the Rochdale Canal summit to fix the leaking Warland Aqueduct.

This section of canal will be closed between Monday 5th and Thursday 8th July. This is so that water levels can be lowered to allow for placement and compaction of puddle clay adjacent to the aqueduct. Boaters have been finding low water level in the pound, causing delays for boats crossing the summit.

As announced yesterday, water supply to the Rochdale summit is becoming critical so BW must act immediately to avoid this continuing waste.

BW is asking boaters booked to cross the summit to moor below Lock 30 or Lock 42 to await instructions.

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

Update 6th July:
BW reports that the work is going well and should be completed on Wednesday 7th July, after which passage across the summit can be resumed (although still on a restricted basis). Boaters heading east are warned of the current stoppage in the Sowerby Bridge area.


Rochdale Canal at Warland

Another delay on Huddersfield

There is to be a further emergency stoppage this week on the Huddersfield Narrow Canal near Uppermill.

Lock 20w, near Frenches Marina, will be closed between Wednesday 30th June and Friday 2nd July. This is to allow repairs to the head gate cill to maintain water levels in the pound above the lock. The wooden cill block is not currently forming a watertight seal, allowing water to drain through. The pound above the lock has had low water levels for some days, causing problems for boaters.

BW is hoping that the work can be completed by the morning of 2nd July and will issue an update when the lock has re-opened.

Damage to wooden cill blocks can occur when boaters attempt to enter or leave locks when water levels are too low.

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


Lock 20w

Rochdale Canal could run out of water...

The Rochdale Canal could run out of water in August unless there is significant rainfall before then, warned British Waterways' Manchester and Pennine area manager David Baldacchino today.

As the North West experiences the driest period since the 1920s, the continuing dry weather means that water supplies to the Rochdale Canal summit are looking increasingly uncertain. On top of this, BW learnt yesterday that one of their major feeds has been stopped. Mr Baldacchino warned that without significant rainfall soon, it looks likely that the water supply to the summit area will run out some time in mid August.

BW may soon be forced to suspend navigation across the summit and other parts of the canal until water supplies have been replenished. With this is mind, BW has stopped taking bookings for summit passages from mid August. They are also contacting people who have bookings in the period leading up to that time to discuss options with them.

We are happy to keep a provisional bookings list for the period after this date in case the situation changes, but clearly we cannot commit to being able to fulfil these bookings.

Also, and with immediate effect, British Waterways is asking boaters using Tuel Deep Lock in Sowerby Bridge to wait and share the lock with another boat, with the lock keeper at the site controlling this.

Mr Baldacchino added that BW will do its best to keep the canal open for as long as possible. Any enquiries regarding the situation should be made to BW on 01782 785703.

BW is hopeful that the water-based activities that will be part of the Rochdale Canal Festival at the end of July and beginning of August will not be affected, although no promises can be made.

Update 2nd July:
As water resources on the Rochdale Canal summit are diminishing with no sign in near future of replenishment, BW is reducing the number of passages across the summit. Only two boats a day in each direction will be allowed passage. Boaters should book their passage through the Red Bull office on 01782 785703, but be aware that the date they want may not always be available due to other bookings.


Rochdale Canal Summit

Water Shortage Affecting Leeds and Liverpool

The prolonged dry spell that the North West has been experiencing has led to a reduction in the opening hours of many locks on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal.

In order to help to preserve the limited water resources on the canal, the following modified restrictions will take effect from today, 28th June:

On the Wigan lock flight, here will be ONE supervised passage on Saturday, Sunday and Monday starting at 10.00 am PROMPT between Locks 65 (Wigan Top Lock) & Lock 85 (above junction with Leigh Branch). Any boats arriving after this time will have to wait until 10.00 am the following day for the next available passage.

The locks between Henhurst Lock (86) and Ell Meadow Lock (89) will be open to navigation, in each direction, from 9.00 am and with the last entry at 4.00 pm.

Poolstock Locks 1 & 2 on the Leigh Branch will be open to navigation, in each direction, from 9.00 am and with the last entry at 4.00 pm.

Passage between Dean Lock (90) and Appley Lock (91) will be open to navigation, in each direction, from 9.00 am and with the last entry at 4.00 pm.

Johnson's Hillock Locks (58-64), Blackburn Locks (52-57), Barrowford Locks (45-51), Bank Newton and Gargrave Locks (30-41) will be open to navigation, in each direction, from 10.00 am and with the last entry at 12.00 noon. They will open again at 2.00 pm with the last entry at 4.00 pm.

Greenberfield Locks (42-44) will be open to navigation, in each direction, from 9.00 am and with the last entry at 5.00 pm.

Times may be subject to change due to local water variations. British Waterways will not guarantee passage if water levels are not sufficient to permit navigation.

Enquiries about these restrictions should be made to BW on 01942 405700.

Between Bingley and Leeds, the normal seasonal opening hours still apply, namely:

Bingley Five Rise (25-29), Bingley Three Rise (22-24), Field Three Rise (16-18) - first passage 8.15 am, last passage 4.00 pm. (Local school holidays, last passage 5.00 pm.)

Newlay Locks to Spring Garden Lock (6-13) - first passage 8.15 am, last passage 3.00 pm.

Any boats arriving outside these times will have to wait until the next operating window for the next available passage .

One Day Stoppage on Ashton

The Ashton Canal will be affected by an emergency stoppage on Tuesday 29th June for the repair of a failed tailgate paddle on Lock 7 (Park Lock) next to Alan Turing Way.

Lock 7 will be closed between 9.00 am and 5.00 pm. Boaters should not set off along the canal unless they are willing to wait until 5.00 pm to pass through Lock 7. Boaters heading uphill should be aware that they will not reach suitable overnight moorings at Portland Basin until 8.00 pm or later.

This stoppage affects boaters doing the Cheshire Ring or the South Pennine Ring.

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

Update 29th June:
The repair has been completed by lunchtime and the canal has now re-opened.


Park Lock on the Ashton Canal