Leeds and Liverpool to close from Wigan to Gargrave

From next Monday (30th July) locks on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal will be closed between Wigan and Gargrave because of diminishing water resources.

The closure affects lock flights between Lock 30 (Holme Bridge Lock, Gargrave) and Lock 85 (bottom of Wigan 21).

The Canal and River Trust says that the lock flights at Wigan, Johnson's Hillock, Blackburn, Barrowford, Greenberfield, Bank Newton and Gargrave will be closed. They say that "measures will be taken to make the locks inoperable" to prevent unauthorised use (e.g. by someone breaking the padlocks).

Although this section of the canal is closed, there will be nothing to prevent boats moving along a pound as long as there is sufficient depth, although boaters risk becoming stranded.

The Canal and River Trust says that it is not known how long the closure will last for but that it’s likely to be throughout August and potentially beyond if there is no significant, sustained rainfall. The towpath will remain open.

Update 27th July:

The last passage for all affected flights will be 3.00 pm on Monday 30 July, with the exception of Barrowford, where the last passage will be at 2:30 pm and the Wigan Flight, where the last entry onto the flight will be between 8:30 and 9:30 am.

Holme Bridge Lock (30), near Gargrave