Marple Locks Stoppage

Increasing problems at Lock 2 have resulted in a stoppage on the Marple Lock flight, Peak Forest Canal.

The Canal and River Trust report that during the day today, operation of Lock 2 has become increasingly difficult. They suspect that there is a developing problem with the cill that has become critical.

The flight has now been closed to allow an inspection of the cill and repairs as necessary. The water level will be reduced first thing tomorrow (Tuesday) to allow the inspection to take place and an update will be issued as soon as possible.

Boaters wishing to use the locks are asked to wait on the mooring points above and below the lock flight.

Canal and River Trust add that they know it is a busy time and that this closure will cause some frustration, but they are working as quickly as possible to make sure that there is no unnecessary delay in reopening the canal.

The locks are expected to be closed at least until Wednesday 21st May.


Lock 2, Marple.

Marsden stoppage after boat 'stuck'

There is a stoppage on the Marsden flight of the Huddersfield Narrow Canal after a boat became 'stuck' in Lock 41e just east of Marsden Station. This will affect boats booked for passage through Standedge Tunnel.

The nature of the incident has not been made known so it is unclear how long the stoppage might be expected to last.

Update Thursday 15th May, 8:00 pm:
Local information is that the boat has now been freed and the locks re-opened.
It is reported that the boat met the Standedge Tunnel width requirements and successfully passed through the tunnel without problem. It then became stuck in Lock 41e for a while and then later in Lock 32e.
Note: Some locks (e.g. 21w, 22w, 41e, 32e) are narrower than others or may have a slight banana-shape. Certain boats may, due to their length or profile, encounter problems with some of these locks. Most boats pass through these locks with no difficulty, however.


Lock 41e, Marsden

Tinsley Locks closed after boat sinks

The Tinsley Lock flight on the Sheffield and South Yorkshire Navigation was closed on Friday after a boat had sunk in the deep lock (7/8).

The Canal and River Trust staff attempted to recover the boat, but were not successful. It was decided to try a different way of raising the vessel using support from divers. Because of the complicated nature of the recovery of the boat, the divers have requested specialist equipment which is due to arrive tomorrow (Tuesday). Therefore, the recovery operation will now take place tomorrow.

An update will be issued when the canal has re-opened.

Update Tuesday 13th May, 5:00 pm:
The boat has now been recovered. The site is being cleared and the locks will re-open to navigation at 8.00 am tomorrow (Wednesday).


From Google Maps

Flood locks closed on Yorkshire waterways

Following heavy rain over the weekend all the flood locks are closed on the Calder and Hebble Navigation as well as some flood locks on the Aire and Calder Navigation in Yorkshire.

This affects navigation between Brighouse and Wakefield and between Leeds and Knostrop.

The Canal & River Trust will continue to monitor levels and will re-open the flood gates when levels return to safe levels. An update will be issued on Monday 12th May.

Update Monday 12th May, 9:30 am:
The flood gates at Clarence Dock and Knostrop on the Aire & Calder Navigation will be re-opened this morning.

Update Monday 12th May, 10:30 am:
Wakefield flood lock, Brighouse Basin and Anchor Pit locks will remain closed because of high water levels. It is hoped that Battyeford, Cooper Bridge and Ledgard flood locks can be re-opened later today.

Update Tuesday 13th May, 9:00 am:
All flood gates on the Calder and Hebble Navigation have now been re-opened.

A planned stoppage to replace a gate at at Anchor Pit flood lock (east of Brighouse), due for Wednesday 14th May, has been postponed.


Wakefield Flood Lock