Piccadilly Drained

The Ashton and Rochdale Canals have been drained in the Piccadilly area of Manchester as part of a police investigation. The water was drained from the Ashton Canal below Lock 1 and the adjoining Rochdale Canal between Locks 83 and 84.

The police are investigating the disappearance of a young man nine years ago and a search of this area of canal is part of the investigation. There was no sign of any police activity today so it may be presumed that they have concluded their search.

The canal is due to be re-opened tomorrow evening (21st April).

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Manchester Stoppage will affect Ashton and Rochdale Canals

A planned stoppage in Manchester will close part of the Ashton and Rochdale Canals for four days.

The Rochdale Canal between Locks 83 and 84 together with the Ashton Canal between Piccadilly Basin and Lock 1 will be closed to navigation and for towpath use to assist a Police Investigation.

The closure will begin at 6.00 am on Tuesday 18th April and will end at 8.00 pm on Friday 21st April.

This will affect boaters navigating the Cheshire Ring and the South Pennine Ring.