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