Emergency Stoppage at Marple Locks

The Canal and River Trust has issued a stoppage notice affecting Marple Locks on the Peak Forest Canal.

The whole lock flight from 1 to 16 is currently closed until further notice due to subsidence at lock 15.

Canal and River Trust engineers will be carrying out inspections later today. A decision whether the locks can be re-opened will be taken after the inspection.

This stoppage affects boaters navigating the Cheshire Ring.

Update 5 pm 11th September:
CRT has issued the following statement -
"Over the weekend subsidence has become evident at Lock 15, Marple and we have had to close the canal here while this is investigated. Following inspections on site today we are now concerned that there has been some movement to the towpath side lock wall as well.

"Our engineering team will be undertaking a thorough examination of the lock over the next few days so that we can be clear about the true extent of the problem and what repairs are now needed.

"Given the uncertainty about the full extent of the problem we cannot estimate a reopening date for the lock at the moment, when we know more we will be able to issue a further update. We’re sorry if this problem has caused you delays but want to assure you that we are giving this highest priority."

Update 14th September:
The locks are expected to re-open on September 22nd after full investigations have been completed.
There has been some subsidence at Lock 15 and the lock chamber has narrowed. When it re-opens, there will be a width restriction of a maximum of 6ft 10 in until permanent repairs can be carried out.

Update 22nd September:
CRT have said that they were unable to re-open the lock today as hoped. Further works are continuing. Another update will be issued early next week.

Update 26th September:
Last week's detailed survey shows that the lock has become too narrow to be operated safely. The repair will be a significant and complex project. CRT say it is unlikely that they will be able to suggest a date for reopening for a couple of weeks and that it looks as if the lock will be closed for some time.

Lock 15 at Marple