Cill Stoppage on Huddersfield Narrow

Boaters on the Huddersfield Narrow Canal face delays after a cill was damaged at Lock 16e at Linthwaite, between Slaithwaite and Milnsbridge.

The wooden cill by the tail gates of the lock has been damaged. BW is de-watering the pound below so that the damage can be assessed.

BW will issue an update once the extent of the problem is known.

Update 4th July:
At the moment BW do not think the lock will be re-opened until Thursday morning but will issue a further update tomorrow.

Update 5th July:
The fish rescue on the pound being drained below Lock 16e is taking longer than expected. It is therefore expected that the canal will now reopen on Friday morning.

Update 6th July, 4.30 pm:
Repairs have now been completed and the canal is being rewatered.
BW says that the canal should re-open to navigation before 12 noon on Thursday 7th July.

Note:
Boaters should be aware that, when closed, a lock gate butts up to a wooden cill (or threshold) 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. Boaters should not attempt to force a boat over a cill but should ensure that the water level is increased before proceeding. If necessary BW should be called out to assist.


Looking towards Lock 16e at Linthwaite.