Paddle Problems at Todmorden

Problems with faulty paddles are causing problems for boaters on the Rochdale Canal in Todmorden this week.

Lock 18 (Shop Lock) in the middle of Todmorden was closed for much of today after a ground paddle "blew" and became partially sucked into the sluice culvert, making the lock unusable.

BW ground staff have been at the lock working urgently to repair the paddle, and the lock re-opened at 3.30 pm.

Unfortunately a problem then occurred at the next lock downstream. At Lock 17 (Old Royd Lock) one of the paddle rods detached itself from the paddle, making the lock difficult to use. The lock has had to be closed until repairs can be carried out. BW will treat the repair as urgent and are expecting to re-open the lock to navigation some time later tomorrow (Wednesday 20th April).

BW asks any customers with a booking to cross the Summit section of the Rochdale Canal who may be affected by this stoppage to phone the Red Bull office on 01782 785703 to discuss arrangements.

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


Lock 17, Old Royd Lock, just east of Todmorden