East side of Leeds and Liverpool to close

Following the worsening situation with falling reservoir levels, the locks on the east side of the Leeds and Liverpool are to be closed from Friday 17th August.

The navigation closure affects all locks between Skipton and Leeds. The main lock flights, i.e. Bingley Five Rise, Bingley Three Rise, Field Locks, Newlay Locks and Forge Locks will be padlocked closed, with the gates ashed to prevent leakage.

The Canal and River Trust says that "measures will be taken to make all locks inoperable" to prevent unauthorised use (e.g. by someone breaking the padlocks).

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 - 29th August:
The Canal and River Trust is to re-open the Leeds and Liverpool Canal between Newlay Top Lock and Holme Lock, below Garsgrave at 10.00 am on Friday 31st August.
This means boats will then be able to navigate between Skipton, Bingley, Shipley and Apperley Bridge.
Passage through Bingley Five and Three Rise lock flights will be down between 10.00 am and 12.00 noon and up between 1.00 and 3.00 pm.





The locks will remain closed between Leeds and Newlay and between Garsgrave and Wigan.

Update - 4th September:
The locks between Leeds and Newlay will re-open on Wednesday 5th September.
Passage through Newlay, Forge and Kirkstall locks will be down between 10.00 am and 12.00 noon and up between 1.00 and 3.00 pm.