Tree Blocks Lower Peak Forest

The Lower Peak Forest Canal has been blocked by a fallen willow tree. The blockage is close to Newton Hall Bridge (no. 4) between Hyde and Dukinfield.

British Waterways is arranging for a contractor to deal with the tree and will issue an update tomorrow (27th Jan).

For any enquiries about this stoppage contact British Waterways on 01782 785703.

Update, 27th January: British Waterways has not yet been given a date by the contractors for when the blockage will be removed. The Lower Peak Forest Canal remains closed at Newton Hall.

Update, 28th January: The contractors will be on site on Monday 31st January. BW hopes that the navigation can be re-opened on Tuesday 1st February.

Update, 31st January: The tree has now been removed and the canal has re-opened to navigation.

Bridge 4 at Newton Hall, Hyde

Dangerous building closes canal at Nelson

The Leeds and Liverpool Canal is currently closed in Nelson following the collapse of a dangerous building near Bridge 141 at Victoria Street, Whitefield.

British Waterways and the local authority are working with the building owner to make the area safe as quickly as possible The towpath is also closed at this location but an on-street alternative is easily available.

BW will issue an update in Wednesday 26th January. For any enquiries about this stoppage contact British Waterways on 01942 405700.

Victoria Street Bridge, Whitefield

Rail Bridge works to shut Rochdale and Calder & Hebble

Work on two railway bridges will result in stoppages on two waterways.

On the Rochdale Canal there will be a stoppage at Belgrove/Firgrove between Locks 48 and 49. The canal and towpath will be closed between 11.00 am and 4.00 pm on Tues 25th, Weds 26th and Thurs 27th January. The stoppage will be at the former railway bridge, now a Metrolink bridge between Firgrove Bridge and Deepdale Swing Bridge and is to enable faulty railway bridge deck beams to be removed.

On the Calder and Hebble Navigation, there will be a stoppage at Schofield Railway Bridge (25a) at Thornhill Lees, Dewsbury. This will be from Monday 31st December to Sunday 6th February and is to enable essential grouting and stabilisation works to take place.

Schofield Railway Bridge (in distance), Thornhill Lees

Bridge Fault Near Skipton

An electrical fault at Bradley Swing Bridge has halted boat movement between Skipton and Bingley.

The stoppage is at Bridge 182a, which is 2.5 miles from Skipton. British Waterways says that contractors are currently trying to rectify the problem.

AN update will be issued on Monday 24th January.

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

Update 24th Jan:
The bridge is now operating normally again.

British Waterways says that "previous restrictions remain in place for the dredging works" referring to dredging works between Skipton and Farnhill which may cause delays of up to 30 minutes.


Bradley Swing Bridge

Stoppage at Bosley Locks

An emergency stoppage is in place at Bosley Locks on the Macclesfield Canal. The canal will be closed here until Wednesday 12th January.

Part of the weir at Bosley Lock 2 has collapsed meaning that the lock cannot be filled to allow passage of boats through the lock. The whole Bosley flight will be locked off until the repairs are completed.

For any enquiries about this stoppage contact British Waterways on 01782 785703.

Peak Forest work now takes place in Spring

The planned stoppage on the Lower Peak Forest Canal, to enable repair work to be carried out in Hyde Bank Tunnel, has been postponed to Spring.

The Lower Peak Forest Canal will now be closed at Hyde Bank Tunnel from 21st February to 12th March 2011.

The work had been planned to take place in November and December but had to be abandoned because of the severe Winter weather conditions.