Pennine Waterways News

Thursday, 27 December 2012

Changes to Pennine Waterways email notifications

Those of you who receive notifications by email of news updates on Pennine Waterways website please read the following:

For several years a free email notification service has been provided by Feed My Inbox. Unfortunately that service will cease from 10th January.

Luckily a very similar service is provided by Blogtrottr.

If you would like to continue (or indeed to start) receiving email notifications of news items on this website, then simply go to Pennine Waterways' "Keep Up" page and then enter your email address in the box provided.

You will receive an automated email reply. Click on the link in that email to activate your notifications.

The "Keep Up" page also tells you about other ways of keeping up with the news.

Monday, 17 December 2012

Pollution shuts part of Leeds and Liverpool

A pollution incident has closed part of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal between Wigan and Burscough. The canal is polluted at Appley Bridge, near Bridge 42.

In order to avoid spreading the pollutant and to enable cleaning-up to take place, it has been necessary to close the canal to navigation in this area.

The Canal and River Trust is trying to resolve the issue as quickly as possible. An update will be issued tomorrow, 18th December.


Appley Bridge

Tuesday, 27 November 2012

Croxton re-opens

The Canal and River Trust has announced that repair work at Croxton Embankment on the Trent and Mersey Canal has been completed five weeks ahead of schedule and the 12 miles of canal between Middlewich and Dutton has been re-opened to navigation.

This affects part of the Cheshire Ring. However, the Trent and Mersey Canal remains shut at Dutton Hollow, south of Preston Brook Tunnel, where the more serious breach will take much longer to repair.


Croxton embankment. Photo: Canal and River Trust

Friday, 23 November 2012

Heavy rain affects Yorkshire waterways


Heavy rain sweeping across the country yesterday has raised water levels on the river navigations of Yorkshire.

Flood gates have been closed along the Aire and Calder Navigation and the Calder and Hebble Navigation.

The "Don Doors" - the guillotine gates at each end of the Don Aqueduct on the New Junction Canal, had been closed but were re-opened earlier today.

Further heavy rainfall has been forecast to fall on Saturday onto already saturated ground. It is therefore possible that flood gates will remain closed over the weekend or that any flood gates that are re-opened may be closed again.

Anyone requiring information about the latest situation should contact the Canal and River Trust on 0303 0404040.

Update 26th November:
The "Don Doors" on the New Junction Canal have been closed again today due to extremely high water levels.
The flood locks on the Calder & Hebble Navigation will remain closed today.
The flood locks on the Aire & Calder Navigation will remain closed today.

Update 27th November:
The "Don Doors" on the New Junction Canal will remain closed today.
The flood locks on the Calder & Hebble Navigation will remain closed today.
The flood locks on the Aire & Calder Navigation will remain closed today.

Update 30th November:
The "Don Doors" on the New Junction Canal have been opened today. The Canal and River Trust has started to re-open flood locks on the Aire & Calder Navigation.


Greenwood Flood Lock on the Calder and Hebble Navigation

Tuesday, 20 November 2012

Winter Stoppages updated

The summary of this Winter's stoppages in the Pennines area has been updated.

Please go to this page to view the updated stoppages summary.

All the scheduled navigation stoppages affecting canals in the area covered by the Pennine Waterways website are contained on a single page. Where changes are made to these scheduled stoppages, the page is amended, with a red comment drawing attention to the alteration.

I will do my best to keep this page up to date and accurate but I may not receive every notification of changes so, if you are travelling by canal during the Winter stoppage season, please only use this as a guide and check the Waterscape site or contact local Canal and River Trust offices to check that the canals you need will be open.

Wednesday, 26 September 2012

Breach south of Preston Brook


A breach has closed the Trent and Mersey Canal between Preston Brook Tunnel and Barnton Tunnel. Although this is just outside the area covered by Pennine Waterways website it could affect some boaters currently on the Bridgewater Canal or in the Manchester area.

The breach is understood to be a short distance south of Dutton Lock. The Canal and River Trust have issued a stoppage notice in which they describe the event as "erosion" rather than a breach!

A video of the scene of the breach has been posted here on YouTube by Little Leigh Village website. Facebook users can see photos on Little Leigh Village's Facebook page.

A shorter video clip can be seen here on YouTube.

The breach will affect boaters navigating the Cheshire Ring. The alternative route is through Manchester and via the Ashton, Peak Forest and Macclesfield Canals. Any boaters stuck north of the breach who genuinely need to leave their boat somewhere should contact Claymoore Boats at Preston Brook, who may be able to offer you a haven. If you are north of the breach on a hire boat based south of the breach it is likely that your hire company will arrange for you to take your boat to Claymoore Boats.

The photo below comes from the Little Leigh Village's Facebook page. [Little Leigh Village website]

Update Wednesday 26th September:
The Trent and Mersey Canal has now been closed to navigation between Preston Brook Runnel and Middlewich Big Lock. The Canal and River Trust says that the canal has suffered a breach at Dutton Hollow, near Preston Brook and also that significant damage has been done to a supporting embankment at Croxton Flash near Middlewich.


Breach on Trent and Mersey. Photo: Little Leigh Village's Facebook page

Tuesday, 25 September 2012

Floods close Yorkshire waterways


Many of Yorkshire's navigations are currently closed due to flooding caused by heavy rain.

Flood locks have been closed on the Calder and Hebble Navigation and the Aire and Calder Navigation. The "Don Doors" - the guillotine gates each side of the Don Aqueduct on the New Junction Canal - are also closed.

These stopppages are likely to remain in place for the rest of today.

Any enquiries about these stoppages should be made to the Canal and River Trust on 0303 0404040.

Update Wednesday 26th September, 9.00 am:
The flood lock gates on the Aire & Calder and the Calder & Hebble will remain closed today. The "Don Doors" on the New Junction Canal also remain closed.

Update Thursday 27th September:
The "Don Doors" on the New Junction Canal should by now have been re-opened but all the flood locks on the Aire & Calder will remain closed today. No information has been received about the Calder & Hebble.

Update Friday 28th September:
Water levels remain high on both the Calder & Hebble and the Aire & Calder Navigations so the flood locks are still shut.

Canal and River Trust staff will be monitoring the levels over the weekend and when they reduce to a safe level they will start to open the flood locks.

Update Tuesday 2nd October:
All flood locks on the Calder & Hebble Navigation have now been re-opened.


Don Aqueduct, New Junction Canal

Monday, 24 September 2012

Leeds and Liverpool blocked by fallen tree


The Leeds and Liverpool Canal has been closed to navigation west of Blackburn after high winds brought down a large tree.

The tree is blocking the canal between Fenniscowles Bridge (93b) and Stanworth Bridge (93). Winding is available west of Stanworth Bridge or at Eanam Wharf in Blackburn.

The Canal and River Trust will issue an update tomorrow (25th September). Any enquiries about this stoppage should be made to the Canal and River Trust on 03030 404040.

Update Tuesday 25th September, 4.30 pm:
The canal is still closed to navigation at this point.

Update Wednsday 26th September, 11.00 am:
The canal has now re-opened at this location.


The Leeds and Liverpool canal west of Fenniscowles

Monday, 10 September 2012

Barnby Dun Bridge Delays


Boaters using the South Yorkshire Navigation face delays at Barnby Dun following a problem with the lift bridge. A lorry has struck one of the barriers, rendering the bridge unsafe to use.

The Canal and River Trust will issue an update later today, with a possible re-opening date. The Canal and River Trust will try to provide a window today for boats to be assisted through the bridge.

Any enquiries about this stoppage should be made to the Canal and River Trust on 0303 0404040.

Barnby Dun lift bridge is between Doncaster and the junction with the New Junction Canal and Stainforth & Keadby Canal.

Update Monday 10th September, 4.00 pm:
The repairs have been completed and the bridge has now re-opened to navigation.


Barnby Dun Bridge, South Yorkshire Navigation

Tuesday, 28 August 2012

Wigan Stoppage


Boaters on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal face delays as a section of the canal through Wigan is closed.

The stoppage arises because the pound between Lock 86 (Henhurst Lock) and Lock 87 (Bottom Lock) needs to be de-watered so that a paddle at Lock 86 can be repaired. The pound to be drained is the one outside the windows of the Canal and River Trust's North West office!

This stoppage affects boats travelling between Wigan and Burscough. Boats travelling between Wigan Top Lock and the Leigh Branch are not affected.

The Canal and River Trust will issue an update on Thursday 30th August.

Any enquiries regarding this stoppage should be made to the Canal and River Trust on Enquiries: 03030 404040.

Urgent Update Tuesday 28th August, 11.30 am:
A further stoppage notice has been issued. Lock 83 is also to be de-watered to repair a paddle. This means that the whole of the Wigan lock flight is closed.

Further updated will be posted here when they are received.

Update Thursday 30th August, 9.00 am:
Lock 83 has now re-opened to navigation.
Lock 86 and 87 have also re-opened.

Urgent Update Friday 31st August, 9.00 am:
The Wigan flight between Locks 65 and 85 has been closed again to allow for the repair of broken paddles. The Canal and River Trust will issue a further update on Monday 3rd September.

Update Monday 3rd September, 11.00 am:
The Wigan flight between Locks 65 and 85 has now re-opened.

Urgent Update Tuesday 4th September, 11.00 am:
The Wigan flight between Locks 65 and 85 will be closed again on Wednesday 5th September to allow for the replacement of damaged baffles at Lock 83. The work is expected to take just one day.

Update Thursday 6th September, 3.00 pm:
The Wigan flight between Locks 65 and 85 has now re-opened.


Henhurst Lock, Wigan

Wednesday, 22 August 2012

Further Restrictions at Marple


Boaters using the Peak Forest Canal face new restrictions at Marple Locks after a tail gate balance beam failed at Lock 14.

Canal and River Trust staff will be on hand to help boats through this lock, which means that the flight is closed outside of working hours.

The locks will be open today and tomorrow (22nd and 23rd August) from 9.00 am to 3.00 pm. Last entry to the flight will be 3.00 pm.

It is hoped that the beam can be repaired by Friday.

This restriction comes only a week after the previous restrictions were lifted. The restriction affects boaters navigating the Cheshire Ring.

Any enquiries about this stoppage should be made to the Canal and River Trust on 01782 785703.


Lock 14 on the Marple flight.

Monday, 20 August 2012

Pollution shuts Aire and Calder


A four mile stretch of the Aire and Calder Navigation to the east of Leeds has been closed following a serious pollution incident.

The River Aire has been polluted by oil contamination downstream of Leeds Lock. In order to contain the oil and prevent it from spreading, the navigation has been closed between Leeds Lock (by the Royal Armouries and Clarence Basin) and Fishpond Lock, which is to the east of the M1 motorway viaduct. The Canal and River Trust has asked boaters not to proceed between Leeds Lock and Fishpond Lock.

Contractors have already begun to deal with the incident. An update will be issued at lunchtime on Tuesday 21st August.

Enquiries about this stoppage should be made to the Canal and River Trust on 0303 040 4040.

Lemonroyd Lock, between Fishpond Lock and Castleford, is closed this week for urgent repairs, so hopefully the pollution incident will not inconvenience too many boaters.

Update Wednesday 22nd August:
The polution has been cleared and the navigation is now open between Leeds Lock and Fishponds Lock. Lemonroyd Lock is closed this week for urgent repairs. Flood locks further down the Aire and Calder Navigation have been closed this morning.


River Aire downstream of Leeds

Monday, 13 August 2012

Bridge Failure on Leeds and Liverpool


A bridge failure has resulted in a stoppage on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal near Burscough, between Wigan and Liverpool.

A mechanical and electrical failure means that Bridge 33, Glovers Swing Bridge, is inoperable. This is one mile east of Burscough and a short distance east of the junction with the Rufford Branch.

The Canal and River Trust will issue an update on this stoppage tomorrow, 14th August.

Any enquiries regarding this stoppage should be made to the Canal and River Trust on 03030 404040.

Update Tuesday 14th August, 4.00 pm
The bridge has now re-opened.

Update Wednesday 15th August, 4.00 pm
The bridge is now closed again to navigation, due to a hydraulic failure.


Glovers Swing Bridge, near Burscough

Wednesday, 8 August 2012

Paddle Problem at Diggle


There could be delays for boaters on the Huddersfield Narrow Canal after the failure of a paddle at Lock 29w at Diggle.

The Canal and River Trust completed an examination of the paddles this morningn and found that the repair is not simple as the paddle frames have to be removed for
the new paddles to be installed. This is a time consuming process.

It is estimated that the canal will be reopened by first thing on Friday morning, 10th August.

The Canal and River Trust will be contacting boaters with bookings for Standedge Tunnel
to discuss their options with them.

Any enquiries about this stoppage should be made to the Canal and River Trust on 01782 785703.

Update Friday 10th August, 6.00 pm:
The repairs to Lock 29w are now complete. However, following difficulties with water resources following completion of the repairs, the Canal and River Trust has decided to keep the flight closed to navigation between locks 24w and 32w over the weekend. (Locks 24w and 32w will be padlocked.) This is to allow water resources to recover fully in time for tunnel passages next week.

Diggle lock flight will re-open on Monday morning, 13th August.


Looking towards Lock 29w at Diggle

Lemonroyd to shut for a week


The Canal and River Trust has given advance warning of a stoppage later this month at Lemonroyd Lock on the Aire and Calder Navigation between Leeds and Castleford.

Lemonroyd Lock will be closed from Monday 20th August until Saturday 25th August. This unplanned closure is needed to carry out urgent repairs to the lock gate and sluice mechanisms. The lock requires dewatering and for stop planks to be installed for this work.

Any enquiries about this stoppage should be made to the Canal and River Trust on 0303 0404040.

Update Friday 24th August:
Leomonroyd Lock is now open to navigation once again. The repairs are mostly complete but part of the walkway on the upstream gates will remain fenced off. Boaters will be able to get through the lock as normal.


Lemonroyd Lock

Thursday, 2 August 2012

Marple Locks Restricted Opening


Following the closure of Marple Locks on Tuesday, they will re-open on a restricted basis until repair work is complete.

Water was leaking from the pound between Locks 15 and 16, making the locks unusable. After lengthy investigations, the source of the leak was found yesterday evening. A temporary repair had been made and the pound was re-watered by 10.00 pm.

By this morning (2nd August) the repair was still holding, so the boats that were waiting above and below the locks were assisted through the lock flight. The pound between Locks 15 and 16 was then de-watered again and a start made on a permanent repair. The repair work will take until Monday or Tuesday of next week.

Starting tomorrow the locks will be open for passage on a restricted basis at the following times:
- Friday 3rd August: 7.30 am to 12.00 noon.* Closed all pm.
- Saturday 4th August: open with lock-keeper in attendance 8.00 am to 5.00 pm.
- Sunday 5th August: open with lock-keeper in attendance 8.00 am to 5.00 pm.
- Monday 6th August: 7.30 am to 12.00 noon.* Closed all pm.
- Tuesday 7th August: 7.30 am to 12.00 noon.* Closed all pm.
- Wednesday 7th August: open normally if all goes to plan.

* Last entry to lock flight on these days:
Last entry to Lock 1 (bottom) 9.00 am
Last entry to Lock 16 (top) 11.00 am


Urgent update Saturday 4th August:
The Canal and River Trust has announced that, "due to a safety issue," they have closed Marple Locks until further notice. They say a further update will be available on Monday 6th August.

Update Monday 6th August:
A retaining wall just below Lock 7 has collapsed. The situation has become worse over the weekend. The restricted opening times mentioned above no longer apply and the lock flight will remain closed to navigation. This is a different problem from the leak between Locks 15 and 16 that caused last week's problems. A further update is expected later today once the Canal and River Trust engineer has assessed the situation.

Update Tuesday 7th August:
The Marple flight has re-opened on a restricted basis:

Boats will be able to enter the flight between 9.00 am and 11.00 am only until further notice.

Boats will be assisted between locks 16 and 15 to control water levels. This is to allow the completion of emergency engineering works. Boats should wait for assistance at lock 16 or 15.

Update Friday 10th August:
The Marple flight will continue to operate on a restricted basis until further notice:

Boats will be able to enter the flight between 9.00 am and 11.00 am only until further notice.

Boats will be assisted between locks 16 and 15 to control water levels. This is to allow the completion of emergency engineering works. Boats should wait for assistance at lock 16 or 15.

These restrictions affect boaters navigating the Cheshire Ring.

Any enquiries regarding this stoppage should be made to the River and Canal Trust on 01782 785703.

Update Wednesday 15th August, 4.00 pm
The latest update notice would appear to suggest that the navigation is now open as normal and the restrictions lifted.



Leeds and Liverpool Stoppage


The Johnson's Hillock lock flight on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal has been closed. This follows an "incident" at Johnson's Hillock top lock, number 86.

The Canal and River Trust will issue an update tomorrow, Friday 3rd August.

Any enquiries regarding this stoppage should be made to the Canal and River Trust on 030 30 40 40 40.

Update Friday 3rd August, 8.30 am:
The boat that had sunk in Lock 86 has been removed and the canal has now re-opened to navigation through the lock flight.


Lock 58 at Johnson's Hillock.

Tuesday, 31 July 2012

Marple Locks Stoppage


Boaters on the Peak Forest Canal are facing a stoppage at Marple Locks.
Because a large volume of water is leaking from the pound between the Locks 15 and 16, it is not possible to pass through the locks.

The lock flight has been closed and repairs are to be attempted today (31st July) but the Canal and River Trust say that at the moment the exact point of the water leaving the pound cannot be determined with any certainty.
Boaters are asked to moor up at the top or bottom of the lock flight - above Lock 16 or below Lock 1.

An update will be issued at 2.00 pm. Boaters requiring further information should contact the Canal and River Trust on 01782 785703.

This stoppage will affect boaters navigating the Cheshire Ring.

Update Tuesday 31st July, 4.00 pm:
The Canal and River Trust say that exploratory probing has been carried out but the source of the leak has not yet been located. They will bring in machinery to speed the process up.

At present the estimate is that the canal will re open on Friday 3rd August at midday. Further updates will be issued at 2.00 pm daily until the issue is resolved.

Update Thursday 2nd August, 4.00 pm:
The source of the leak was found yesterday evening. A temporary repair had been made and the pound re-watered by 10 pm. This morning the repair was still holding so the boats that were waiting above and below the locks were assisted through the locks. The pound was then de-watered again and a start made on a permanent repair. The repair work will take until Monday or Tuesday of next week.

The locks will be open for passage at the following times:
- Friday 3rd August: 7.30 am to 12.00 noon. Closed all pm.
- Saturday 4th August: open all day, with lock-keeper in attendance 8.00 am to 5.00 pm.
- Sunday 5th August: open all day, with lock-keeper in attendance 8.00 am to 5.00 pm.
- Monday 6th August: 7.30 am to 12.00 noon. Closed all pm.
- Tuesday 7th August: 7.30 am to 12.00 noon. Closed all pm.
- Wednesday 7th August: open normally if all goes to plan.

More recent updates can be found here.


The pound between Locks 15 and 16, Marple

Wednesday, 25 July 2012

Rochdale Nine Update


It was reported here last Friday that the Rochdale Nine locks through Central Manchester were closed following an incident with a boat. [See original article.]

The lock flight remains closed today and it would appear that repair work has not yet been carried out. The photo shows water gushing up from under the towpath side head gate. This is because the gate has been lifted out of the pot that enables it to pivot and rotate. Not only does this make the gate difficult to operate, but the lack of a seal prevents the lock from being emptied. (The lock is three quarters full in spite of one of the tail gate paddles being completely raised.)

The Canal and River Trust have investigated the situation and found that the gate has sustained damage which requires the gate to be lifted out and repaired. This will involves the use of scaffolding and a temporary road closure to facilitate the use of a crane. The Canal and River Trust hopes to have the work completed by the end of Friday 27th July.

One report suggests that the bow of a boat became stuck under the beam as the lock was filling and lifted the gate. Another report suggests that a boater was using the boat to open the gate, although it is difficult to see how that could lift the gate.

The Rochdale Nine forms part of the busy Cheshire Ring route and the stoppage at the height of summer has caused disruption to boaters' plans and to boat hire companies, whose customers doing the Cheshire Ring have had to be turned around to retrace their steps.

Enquiries about this stoppage should be made to the Canal and River Trust on 01782 785703.


Lock 89, Rochdale Canal

Friday, 20 July 2012

Rochdale Nine Closed


The "Rochdale Nine" flight of locks in Central Manchester is currently closed after a boat lifted a gate out of the seating pot on one of the locks.

As mooring is not possible on the flight, boaters need to wait at Castlefield, below Lock 92, or in the Piccadilly Basin/Ducie Street area above Lock 84.

Canal and River Trust staff are trying to remedy the situation but it is likely that the locks will be closed throughout the weekend. An update will be published on Monday 23rd July.

This stoppage affects boaters navigating the Cheshire Ring.

Enquiries regarding this stoppage should be made to the Canal and River Trust on 01782 785703.

Update, Monday 23rd July:
Investigations have shown that the gate has sustained more damage than was first thought. As a result, the gate needs to be lifted off, repaired and reset. This involves the use of a crane, scaffolding and a temporary road closure to enable the use of the crane.

The Canal and River Trust say they expect work to be completed by the end of Friday 27th July. This means that the "Rochdale Nine" flight will be closed all week from Lock 84 to Lock 92.

An update will be issued if works are completed before that date.

See photo and update of 25th July here.


Thursday, 19 July 2012

Calder and Hebble Closed Again


The river sections of the Calder and Hebble Navigation are again closed to navigation.

The flood gates at Anchor Pitt, Cooper Bridge, Battyeford and Ledgard were closed this morning as water levels were rising. This afternoon the Canal and River Trust announced that all the flood locks on the Calder and Hebble are now closed.

The Canal and River Trust will review the water levels tomorrow morning.

Enquiries: 0303 0404040

Update, Friday 20th July, 9.00 am:
The following flood locks are still closed:
Anchor Pitt, Cooper Bridge, Battyeford and Ledgard.
Other flood locks have now re-opened.

Update, Friday 20th July, 5.00 pm:
Due to high water, all flood locks along the Calder and Hebble are closed and will remain inoperable until further notice. For up to date information over the weekend, please contact Freephone canals on 0800 47 999 47.


Thornes Flood Lock

Thursday, 12 July 2012

Silt blocking Huddersfield Narrow


The eastern side of the Huddersfield Narrow Canal is currently blocked by silt and debris following heavy rainfall in the area this week.

The affected section is the pound between Locks 14e and 15e, between Linthwaite and Slaithwaite. This is in a location where a stream flows into the canal from the steep hillside and boaters have for years been experiencing difficulty getting over the silt that has built up. British Waterways, aware of this problem, had been working on a scheme to address this but a schedule for the work had not as yet been arranged.

It is not known at this stage whether the Canal and River Trust will bring forward the proposed dredging work now that the issue has become an emergency.

The Canal and River Trust say that they will issue an update as soon as more is known and have asked boaters with particular concerns, such as those with boats over 60 ft trapped to the east of the blockage, to contact them on 0303 040 4040.

Update Friday 13th July:
The Canal and River Trust say they are continuing to review and investigate the work needed to clear the channel in this area. They say it is already clear that the work required is likely to be extensive. Their contractor is being engaged with a view to them starting work next week.

As yet no end date can be given for the work but the current estimate is that this is likely to be at least 2 weeks.

Boaters with bookings for Standedge Tunnel between now and 6th August will be contacted by the Canal and River Trust to update them of the situation. No new bookings are being taken for the period up to to 30th July. Any bookings taken for after that date will be subject to short notice cancellation.

Update Tuesday 17th July:
The contractor will begin work on Monday 23rd July. The silt will be cleared and stored so that cannot re-enter the canal. It will then be removed from the area completely later in the year.

The Canal and River Trust plan for the channel to be re-opened by the end of Friday 27th July although if it can be re-opened sooner an update to that effect will be issued.

Update Tuesday 24th July:
A navigable channel has now been cleared and boats have been allowed past the affected area. Boaters are advised to proceed slowly past the work. The contractors expect to have completed the work by the end of Thursday, with some 80 tonnes of silt having been removed.


Pound above Lock 14e.

Monday, 9 July 2012

Nicholas Crane coasts through Standedge Tunnel

Television presenter Nicholas Crane was at Standedge Tunnel today filming for a new BBC series.

Nicholas has featured in series such as "Coast" and "Map Man" but this programme is for a new series of the programme "Town", due to air next year, in which Nicholas explores aspects of various towns around Britain. The programme being made looks at Huddersfield and it is good to see that one of the area's features that the programme makers felt to be worthy of inclusion is the Huddersfield Narrow Canal.

The programme will include scenes of Nicholas legging a boat through part of the tunnel but, unlike other programmes in which celebrities have legged a British Waterways work boat, Nicholas had the use of Maria, a genuine horse-drawn boat. The crew also filmed the boat emerging from the Marsden portal at Tunnel End. The film crew were assisted by members of the Horseboating Society.


Nicholas Crane gets ready to try his foot at tunnel legging.

Friday, 6 July 2012

Rochdale Canal Closed Again


The Rochdale Canal is closed once again as flood waters rise in the Calder Valley.

The closure is in the area around Lock 12, west of Hebden Bridge. This is the area badly affected by the floods of two weeks ago, in which sections of wall and towpath were washed away and a boat was swept from its mooring and left stranded right across the canal. It was from Lock 12 that a boat crew had to be rescued by the fire brigade.

Heavy rain has been falling in the River Calder catchment area all day, onto already saturated ground, with the water running straight into the river.

This item will be updated if further information arrives.

Update Monday 9th July:
The flood locks remain closed today. A further update will be issued tomorrow.

Update Wednesday 11th July:
There has been further severe rainfall in the area this week, which has resulted in a large amount of debris being swept into the canal, blocking it between Locks 11 and 12, west of Hebden Bridge. The canal, therefore, remains closed between Hebden Bridge and Todmorden.

The Canal and River Trust has issued the following statement, which boat users on the Rochdale Canal (and elsewhere) should note:
Following the floods in Hebden Bridge on 9th July 2012, the Fire and Rescue Service have expressed concern to us that customers had unilaterally chosen to raise lock paddles to run pounds down and that this had the potential to worsen flooding. We found paddles unexpectedly in the up position ourselves when attending the site.
If pound levels become a concern we would ask customers not to interfere with the water control equipment. If you need to report worsening water levels please do so via the emergency number 0800 47 999 47, and if you are concerned for your own safety contact the Emergency Services using 999.


Update Friday 13th July:
The canal channel has been cleared and is now open to navigation.

However, the previously announced restrictions continue to apply. These are: because of the dangerous condition of the towpath and lock landings at Lock 12 and 13, west of Hebden Bridge, these locks will be operated by CRT staff between 12.00 noon and 2.00 pm each day (7 days a week). Outside of these opening hours, these two locks will be padlocked so that they cannot be used.

Update Monday 16th July:
Further work has been completed and Lock 13 is now fully open to navigation. However, the above restrictions still apply to Lock 12, i.e. operated by CRT staff between 12.00 noon and 2.00 pm each day (7 days a week). Lock 12 is padlocked outside those hours as it is still unsafe for boaters to use it unassisted.

Update Friday 20th July. 5.00 pm:
The canal is now fully open to normal navigation. The restrictions at Lock 12 have been lifted.


Lock 12 and some of the damage to wall and towpath from the last flood.

New Junction Canal Closed


The New Junction Canal is closed to through navigation, because the flood gates at the Don Aqueduct (the "Don Doors") have been closed.

The River Don, which passes below the aqueduct, is contained within raised banks to prevent flooding of the surrounding flat land. These banks are higher than the canal level and, when the river is in flood, it can overtop the aqueduct. Therefore, when high river levels are expected, the guillotine gates at each end of the aqueduct are lowered, preventing the river from flooding the canal and, through the canal, the surrounding land.

There is very high rainfall today, with more expected in the next day or so. It is likely that the flood gates will remain closed for several days.

Update Monday 9th July:

The flood gates ("Don Doors") have been opened and the New Junction Canal is now fully navigable again.


Don Aqueduct, New Junction Canal

Calder and Hebble Closed


The river sections of the Calder and Hebble Navigation are closed to navigation. The flood gates have been shut are are expected to remain so for several days.

With very heavy rain falling in the South Pennines, on top of saturated ground, the river levels have risen rapidly.

Update Monday 9th July:
The flood locks remain closed today. A further update will be issued tomorrow.

Update Wednesday 11th July:
The flood locks remain closed today. The river levels are being checked regularly and further updates will be issued.

Update Thursday 12th July:
The water levels have now receded sufficiently, so the flood locks along the Calder and Hebble will open shortly.

Update Thursday 19th July:
Due to high water levels the following flood locks are closed:
- Anchor Pitt
- Cooper Bridge
- Battyeford
- Ledgard
The other flood locks remain open, however water levels are fluctuating so we may have to close these later. An update will appear this afternoon.

Update Thursday 19th July, 3.00 pm:
All the flood locks on the Calder and Hebble are now closed. The Canal and River Trust will review the water levels tomorrow morning.

Enquiries: 0303 0404040

Please see later news item for further updates on the Calder and Hebble.


Thornes Flood Lock

Monday, 2 July 2012

Coxheads Swing Bridge Closed Again


Coxhead's Swing Bridge, bridge number 20, between Haskayne and Lydiate on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, is closed to navigation following an act of vandalism.

The bridge was closed in April when parts of its mechanism were found to have been damaged.

The Canal and River Trust will issue an update tomorrow (3rd July). Any enquiries about this stoppage should be made to the Canal and River Trust on 01942 405700.

Update Tuesday 3rd July, 9.15 am:
The bridge has now re-opened to navigation.


Coxheads Swing Bridge

Goodbye, British Waterways. Hello Canal and River Trust!


Goodbye, British Waterways. Hello Canal and River Trust!

Today, 2nd July 2012, the employees of British Waterways woke up and found themselves to be employees of the new Canal and River Trust.

The Canal and River Trust is the new charity which has today taken over responsibility for most of the canals and many of the navigable rivers in England & Wales. A series of events to mark the change will take place on July 12th.

In the short term, most canal and towpath users are unlikely to see any difference as the biggest change is with the way the organisations are governed and financed. To keep costs down, re-branding of signage, etc. will be done gradually over a long period of time.

The charitable status will allow the Canal and River Trust to tap into funding sources that were not available to British Waterways. There will also be a change in culture which will seek to get waterway users and local groups and organisations more involved, as "friends" and volunteers.

This is a big day, as the change is one that has been planned and developed over a number of years. Boaters are often a cynical lot and some have been quick to find reasons to be negative about the change. However, there is a lot of goodwill out there and I, like most canal users, wish the new Trust well.

You can find out more about the Trust and its priorities in this downloadable booklet.

My main criticism of the Trust is the name it has given itself, with so much potential to get it wrong. I hear and read people talking about the Canals and Rivers Trust rather than Canal and River. Then there is the ampersand (&) that is rather ridiculously supposed to be in the name rather than the word "and". This caused a problem with the website domain name, as ampersands are not allowable characters, so the website domain name is canalrivertrust.org.uk which is easy for people to get wrong. However, I am glad to see that they are on the ball and have also acquired alternative names such as canalandrivertrust.org.uk and canalsandriverstrust.org.uk

Personally, I think Waterways England would have been a much more upbeat and friendly name. After all, the name in Welsh translates as Waterways Wales and the Scottish waterways do not come under the new Trust. I suppose the name needed to embrace both canals and rivers and emphasise the new Trust status, a bit like a camel being a horse designed by a committee...

Anyway, whatever the name, the Trust is in business today and I am happy to support it and do what I can to help it achieve its aims. The canals and rivers belong to all of us - let's all get behind the Trust and give it a go!

The Trust's new website is canalrivertrust.org.uk although it appears that content is still in the process of being transferred from the Waterscape site.



Canal & River Trust is a company limited by guarantee registered in England & Wales under number 7807276; and a charity registered with the Charity Commission under number 1146792.

Sunday, 1 July 2012

Broken Cill Delays Boaters on Huddersfield


Boaters on the Huddersfield Narrow Canal face delays at Marsden after a boat damaged a gate cill at Lock 37e, closing the Marsden lock flight to navigation.

The incident is believed to have happened yesterday when a boat came out of the lock while the water level in the short pound above was too low. According to ground staff the boat ripped away the wooden cill that forms a watertight seal when the gate is closed. As a result, water is getting under the top gate, draining the pound.

The repair will not take long to carry out but will require scaffolding to be erected first and removed afterwards, which may add to the time the canal will remain closed.

The Canal and River Trust will issue an update an update tomorrow afternoon (2nd July).

Boaters with bookings for Standedge Tunnel can contact the Canal and River Trust on 01782 785703 to check whether their bookings will be affected.

Update, Wednesday 4th July:
Lock 34w on the Marsden flight is closed today to allow investigations to be carried out as to why substantial amounts of water are leaking out of the bottom of the tail gates.

As yet, no update regarding Lock 37e has been received.

Update, Friday 6th July:
There has still been no update from Canal and River Trust, which is not a good start for them, but I have been informed by a boater that the lock has been repaired and he has brought his boat through it earlier this week. Therefore it seems safe to tell you that the Marsden flight is now open to navigation.

Update, Friday 6th July:
Update from Canal and River Trust eventually received stating that the navigation is now open.


Lock 37e, Marsden.

Thursday, 28 June 2012

Rochdale re-opens with restrictions

The Rochdale Canal is to re-open throughout its length tomorrow for the first time since it was hit by floods a week ago.

As reported earlier, a stranded narrowboat that had been blocking the canal has been removed. This means that boats are now once again able to travel between Hebden Bridge and Todmorden.

However, because of the dangerous condition of the towpath and lock landings at Lock 12 and 13, west of Hebden Bridge, these locks will be operated by BW staff between 12.00 noon and 2.00 pm each day (7 days a week). Outside of these opening hours, these two locks will be padlocked so that they cannot be used.

The floods have eroded the towpath in this area and a lot of soil and stones have been deposited in the canal making it unsafe to attempt to get on or off a boat on the lock landings. The towpath is also not in a fit state for boat crews to walk between locks.

BW say that it is not safe for customers to try to use these locks without assistance in their current condition, which is the reason for them being locked when not manned.

BW also warn boaters to proceed with caution between Locks 11 and 19 as there may be unexpected obstacles below the water that have been washed into the canal. They ask anyone finding such an obstacle to tell them about it.

BW also warns that sections of the towpath are closed, being badly eroded or covered in slippery silt. Walkers are asked to avoid sections blocked off with orange fencing.


Lock 13 showing towpath erosion and material deposited in canal.


Towpath and wall washed away below Lock 12.


Towpath erosion at Lock 16.

BW say there is still a huge amount of work to be done to get the canal back to normal and that they will work towards that over the coming weeks. BW say they would like to thank customers for their patience while they have been working on the problems caused by the flooding.

See also:
Rochdale Canal remains blocked after floods.
Stranded boat re-floated.

Stranded boat re-floated


The narrowboat that has been blocking the Rochdale Canal since last Friday was re-floated in the early hours of this morning.

As river levels rose rapidly last Friday evening and engulfed the canal between Todmorden and Hebden Bridge, the unoccupied narrowboat was pulled from its moorings and carried downstream, where it was swept onto an overflow weir. When the waters receded, the boat was left with its bow on the weir and its stern on the opposite bank. (See earlier article for photo.)

As there was no access to land beside the canal, the boat had to be lifted by a 300-tonne crane positioned on Burnley Road, on the other side of trees and the River Calder. The large crane was needed because of the long reach involved. The operation necessitated a road closure, which was why it took place in the early hours of the morning.

The boat was lifted from its position and re-floated and was moved down into Hebden Bridge.

As the section of canal between Locks 11 and 17 were the worst affected by the floods, the lock landings have been found to be unsafe to use, as access to them is blocked by silt and debris washed down the canal. Boaters will not be able to pass through this section until BW had set up a system of assisted passage.

The towpath is also closed over much of this section, with some parts having been washed away by the fast-moving flood water.

A short video of the boat being lifted can be seen here on the BBC News web site.


Photo: BBC News

Monday, 25 June 2012

Rochdale Canal remains blocked after floods

[Scroll down to see updates.]
The Rochdale Canal will remain closed for several more days following last Friday's flooding. There are also several blockages to the towpath.


Stranded boat near Hebden Bridge

The most serious problem for boaters is a boat blocking the canal near Hebden Bridge. As river levels rose rapidly, a torrent of water flooded onto the canal below Lock 12. A section of towpath was ripped up by the water and a moored boat was torn from its mooring pins and carried half a mile down the canal. The boat was then swept onto an overspill weir and was left stranded across the canal, with its bow resting on the overspill weir and its stern embedded in the opposite bank. Fortunately there was no-one on board the boat at the time.

British Waterways staff are assessing how the boat can be re-floated and the canal will remain closed to through navigation until this has been achieved.


Stranded boat near Hebden Bridge

BW staff are checking structures to assess whether the rest of the canal can be re-opened. It would appear that damage is confined to the towpath, with several sections being washed away.

Below Lock 12, where the towpath is separated from the river by a stone boundary wall, the river rose higher than the towpath, broke down a section of wall and washed away a length of towpath.


Boundary wall and towpath washed away below Lock 12

Meanwhile the river sections of the Calder and Hebble Navigation remain closed and boaters have been instructed not to open the flood gates.

Important update, Monday 25th June, 4.30 pm:
British Waterways say they are pleased that the main lock structures that have been checked appear to be unaffected by flood damage. However, most of the locks between Locks 11 and Lock 19 have been affected to some extent by erosion and the build up of materials at the lock landings making the locks unsafe to use in their current condition.

The navigability of the channel has not yet been tested, and it is possible that there may be new sand bars or underwater obstacles preventing passage.

BW say it is not clear when they can re-open the canal and warn that people should plan for the canal remaining closed for a period of a few weeks.

In addition to the washed-away sections of towpath mentioned above, BW warn towpath users that much of the towpath between Locks 11 and 19 is covered in a thick silt that is very slippery and walkers are advised to find alternative routes.

Update, Tuesday 26th June, 9.30 am:
The Calder and Hebble Navigation is now open to navigation again. BW staff are opening the flood gates but it could be several hours before these have all been opened.

Update, Wednesday 27th June, 3.00 pm:
The following sections of the Rochdale Canal are now open to navigation:
- between Lock 1 Sowerby Bridge and Lock 9 Hebden Bridge.
- from Lock 17 Todmorden westwards
Winding is available by the dry dock below Lock 9 in Hebden Bridge and at Baltimore Marina above Lock 17 in Todmorden.
The canal is navigable between Locks 9 and 11 but there is no winding point available.

The canal remains closed between Lock 11 and Lock 17.
The boat pictured above is still blocking the canal. BW is hoping to be able to move it tonight. The channel has not been tested. There was severe damage to towpaths in this area so the channel may be obstructed with sand bars and dislodged masonry.

When the stranded boat has been removed BW will start a system of assisted passages between Locks 11 and 17. In many instances it is not possible to bring a boat in to the lock landings because of silt and other debris washed into the canal.

BW will issue information about these assisted passages in the next few days. Even once this section has been re-opened, boaters should proceed with care as there may be unexpected obstructions below the water.

Update, Thursday 28th June, 1.00 pm:
The stranded boat was refloated in the early hours of this morning using a large crane positioned across the river on Burnley Road. It was done at this time as a road closure was required. The canal between Locks 11 and 17 remains closed until BW puts into place a system of assisted passage. The lock landings of many of these locks are inaccessible because of silt or debris that has been washed into the canal. BW will issue an update about assisted passage shortly.

Saturday, 23 June 2012

Flooding disrupts navigation in Yorkshire


Very heavy rain yesterday in the South Pennines is causing disruption to navigation today.

BW reports that flooding between in the Calder Valley has made the Yorkshire part of the Rochdale Canal unnavigable and boaters are asked to remain moored up until water levels subside.

Although no announcements have been made so far, it is likely that the river sections of the Calder and Hebble Navigation will also be unnavigable, with flood gates closed.

This page will be updated if any further information is received.

Update 23rd June 4.30 pm:
BW says the canal is likely to remain impassable until the middle of the coming week at the earliest.

It is not believed that the flooding has caused any catastrophic damage but there are locations on the canal that are obstructed. BW will issue further updates when they have been able to complete the necessary engineering assessments on Monday.

Update Monday 24th June:
See Monday's news update [click here] for details of the problems left by the floods.

Update, Tuesday 26th June, 9.30 am:
The Calder and Hebble Navigation is now open to navigation again. BW staff are opening the flood gates but it could be several hours before these have all been opened.



Thursday, 21 June 2012

Car blocks Rochdale Canal


Navigation on the Rochdale Canal has been blocked by a car in the canal at Bridge 34 (Hollins Bridge) in Walsden. This is on the section between Todmorden and the Summit level.

British Waterways say that police and Fire teams are on scene and British Waterways are making every effort to recover the vehicle.

Boaters are asked to moor up above Bridge 34 or below lock 26 and await further instructions from British Waterways staff on site. A further update will be issued.


Hollins Bridge, Walsden.

Half Day Huddersfield Hold-up


Boaters using the eastern end of the Huddersfield Narrow Canal could be held up by a half day stoppage at Lock 1e today (21st June).

There are problems with the gate paddles leaking water. British Waterways will close the lock between 12.00 noon and 4.00 pm so that investigations can be made to see what repairs are required.

Boaters travelling eastwards into Huddersfield should time their journey so that they do not arrive at Lock 2e during this period.

There have been long-standing problems with the pound above this lock losing water.


Lock 1e, Huddersfield

Wednesday, 20 June 2012

Leeds and Liverpool bridge stoppage

A swing bridge is out of action causing a stoppage on a busy section of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal.

There is an intermittent fault at Bridge 187, Warehouse Swing Bridge, at Kilnwick, on the popular stretch between Skipton and Bingley. The bridge has been closed to navigation until further notice while investigations are carried out.

Update, June 20th, 2.15 pm:

The problem with the bridge has been rectified and the canal is now open to navigation through Kildwick.

Any enquiries regarding this stoppage should be made to BW on 01942 405700.


Bridge 187, Kildwick

Monday, 18 June 2012

Rochdale Nine Stoppage

Boaters passing through Manchester found the "Rochdale Nine" flight closed today. British Waterways have announced that the pound between Locks 85 (Piccadilly) and 86 (Canal Street) had to be de-watered, although they did not give a reason.

BW said that it is expected that the canal will be navigable again by tomorrow morning (19th June).

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

Update, Tuesday 19th June, 4.15 pm:
The pound has been re-filled and the navigation has now re-opened.


Pounds between Lock 85 and 86, Rochdale Canal

Wednesday, 30 May 2012

Wigan Waterless Once More

Boaters intending to use the Wigan lock flight of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal have been once again hit by problems with low water levels.

This time it would seem that acts of vandalism have caused the lock flight to become unnavigable. The whole of the lock flight is closed, along with Pagefield and Ell Meadow Locks below Wigan (Locks 65 to 89).

Teams from British Waterways will be working throughout the day to re-water the flight.

Any enquiries about this stoppage should be made to British Waterways on 01942 405700.


Wigan flight

Thursday, 24 May 2012

Barrowford Stoppage


An emergency stoppage has been announced on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal at Barrowford lock flight.

Lock 50, the second lock up the flight, is closed for repairs to the cill and tail gate.

BW will issue an update tomorrow, 25th May.

Any queries regarding this stoppage should be made to BW on 01942 405700.

Update, 25th May, 4.00 pm:
It has been discovered that the heel post and paddle of Lock 50 are damaged, requiring further work. The lock will remain closed to navigation. BW will issue a further update on Monday 28th May.

Update, 28th May, 2.30 pm:
A temporary repair has now been made and the lock has re-opened to navigation.

However, Barrowford lock flight will be closed again on Thursday 31st May to allow the faulty paddles on this lock to be replaced.


Looking from Lock 51 to Lock 50, Barrowford

Wednesday, 23 May 2012

Another Wigan Stoppage


Boaters on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal face another stoppage in the area. This time it is at Lock 90, Ell Meadow Lock, just west of Wigan.

Ell Meadow Lock was closed today (23rd May) so that BW staff can carry out an investigation and repair work on faulty ground paddles.

The length of the stoppage is not yet certain, but an update will be issued tomorrow, Thursday 24th May.

Update 24th May, 2.30 pm:
Repairs are complete and the navigation has re-opened.


Ell Meadow Loc, Leeds and Liverpool Canal

Tuesday, 22 May 2012

Rochdale Stoppage at Sowerby Bridge

The Rochdale Canal is currently closed between Lock 1 and Tuel Lane Lock 3/4 in Sowerby Bridge, and will remain closed tomorrow and Thursday.

Water is leaking from the canal into an adjacent property and urgent pointing work needs to be carried out. The canal will be closed between Lock 1 and Tuel Lane Lock 3/4 on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Normal passage is expected to resume on Friday morning, 25th May.

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

Update, 23rd May, 4.30 pm:
The pointing work has been completed and the navigation has now re-opened.


Lock 2, Rochdale Canal, Sowerby Bridge