Tree Closes Lower Peak Forest

The Lower Peak Forest Canal is currently closed between Marple Locks and Romiley, after a large tree has fallen across the canal near Hyde Bank Tunnel. The towpath remains open.

British Waterways say that the navigation will re-open at 3.00 pm tomorrow afternoon Thursday 15th September. Winding can be found below Marple Bottom Lock or between Chadkirk and Hatherlow aqueducts.

Any enquiries about this stoppage should be made to BW on 01782 785703.

Update 14th September, 4.45 pm:
It is reported that boaters have removed part of the obstruction and boats are now able to squeeze past with care.

Fallen Trees block Rochdale Canal

Two trees have fallen across the Rochdale Canal, closing it just west of Hebden Bridge.

High winds, which affected the area as the remnants of Hurricane Katia crossed the country, brought down the two trees close Bridge 18, Hebble End Bridge, near Stubbins Wharf. This is a short distance west of Lock 9 in Hebden Bridge.

British Waterways say that the navigation will re-open tomorrow evening Wednesday 14th September. Winding can be found below Lock 9 or below Lock 12.

Any enquiries about this stoppage should be made to BW on 01782 785703.

Update: The blockage has now been cleared and the navigation re-opened.


Stubbins Wharf, looking towards Hebble End Bridge

BW Recover Stricken Boat - photos

The Huddersfield Narrow Canal was closed today between Mossley and Stalybridge after a boat came to grief in a lock.

The boat, nb Dizzy, was entering Lock 9w from the short pound above, which was very low. The stern of the boat became stuck on the wooden cill that abuts the top gate. The water in the lock continued to drain away until the bow of the boat took on water and sank.

It is believed that one of the hydraulic tail gate paddles was obstructed and would not fully close. BW say this had not been reported to them by other boaters, although one boater has said he reported it a week earlier. In addition, the lock has considerable leakage around the tail gates. It is understood that the lock drained so rapidly that the crew were not able to rectify the situation in time. Fortunately, no-one was hurt in the incident.

The boat owner arrived and assisted BW ground staff in re-floating the boat. This was done by sealing the front doors and vents and carefully re-filling the lock. The well deck took on water but the boat floated as the levels rose.

Nb Dizzy in Lock 9w.


Nb Dizzy lives up to its name, pivoting on the lock cill.


The pounds above and below the lock were drained to facilitate the recovery.


Doors and vents sealed, the water level is carefully raised.


Nb Dizzy afloat once more, although low in the water, having taken on water.


The excessive leakage around the tail gates may have contributed to the incident.

Huddersfield Stoppage as boat sinks

Boaters on the western half of the Huddersfield Narrow Canal face possible delays after a boat sank in Lock 9w near Black Rock, Millbrook.

British Waterways, whose local maintenance depot is only half a mile from the lock, are draining the pounds above and below the lock in order to recover the boat. The pound below is half a mile in length so re-filling the pounds afterwards will take a little time.

Boaters are asked to moor above Lock 10w at Scout Embankment or below Lock 7w in Stalybridge town centre and await instructions from BW staff. It is expected that the pounds could re-open around 12.00 noon on Tuesday 16th August.

Update:
The boat has been re-floated and BW staff have begun re-filling  the pounds. The canal could be passable again some time on Tuesday morning, as long as the cill has not been damaged.

See photos of the stricken boat and the recovery operation.


nb Dizzy stuck in Lock 9W

Stoppage in Wigan for investigation

Boaters in Wigan face a delay on Thursday if they are travelling between the Wigan Junction and Wigan Pier.

The two locks between Wigan Junction and Wigan Pier (Locks 86 and 87) and the pound between them will be closed on Thursday 11th August. It is necessary to de-water Lock 86 to investigate a reported obstruction in the water.

It is not known how many hours the stoppage will last. BW staff will be on hand at Locks 86 and 87 to advise boaters.

Poolstock Locks and the main Wigan flight will not be affected by this stoppage.


Henhurst Lock, 86, Wigan

Delays for lock investigations

Boaters on two Yorkshire canals face delays while BW carry out emergency investigations of leaking locks.

Oddy Locks, on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal in Leeds, will be closed for 5 hours tomorrow (Tuesday 9th August). This is to allow the lower of the two locks to be de-watered in order to carry out urgent repairs to prevent leaks.
BW also needs to conduct a thorough investigation of the lower gate cill and lock floor after damage was reported last Friday.
Boats should wait above Newlay Locks or below Office Lock until the canal is re-opened at lunch time.

Lock 1e on the Huddersfield Narrow Canal in Huddersfield will be closed on Thursday 11th August between 8.00 am and 4.00 pm. This is to allow the lock to be de-watered in order to investigate leakage from the chamber.
Boats should wait above or below this lock until it is re-opened. In practice, boaters heading westwards up the canal would not want to start late afternoon and would be better setting off very early, before the lock is closed, or waiting until the next day.


Lock 1e, Huddersfield Narrow Canal

Sheffield Stoppage

Sheffield is currently cut off from the waterways network by a stoppage at Tinsley Locks on the Sheffield and Tinsley Canal.

British Waterways say that paddle sluices at Locks 7 and 8 on the Tinsley lock flight are 'inoperable', meaning that passage through the locks is not currently possible.

Repair works will start shortly and BW will issue an update on progress..

Any enquiries about this stoppage should be made to British Waterways on 0113 281 6860.

Update 12th August:
Works have now been completed. The flight will reopen as soon as water levels to return to normal.


Tinsley Locks

Restrictions on Rochdale Nine

British Waterways have warned that work to be carried out on the "Rochdale Nine" in Manchester will result in restricted opening hours for two weeks.

The work will affect Locks 86 and 87 of the Rochdale Canal, alongside Canal Street in Manchester.

On alternate days these locks will not be open until 3.00 pm. On the other days the locks will be open from 8.00 am. The locks will close at 8.00 pm each day.

BW staff will assist boaters through these two locks as access will be restricted.

The restrictions will apply from Wednesday 10th August and continue for up to ten days, until work is completed. The restrictions will not apply at weekends.

The opening hours for Locks 86 and 87 are expected to be:
 •   Wednesday 10th August - open 3.00 pm to 8.00 pm
 •   Thursday 11th August - open 8.00 am to 8.00 pm
 •   Friday 12th August - open 3.00 pm to 8.00 pm
Saturday 13th August - no restriction
Sunday 14th August - no restriction
 •   Monday 15th August - open 3.00 pm to 8.00 pm
 •   Tuesday 16th August - open 8.00 am to 8.00 pm
 •   Wednesday 17th August - open 3.00 pm to 8.00 pm
 •   Thursday 18th August - open 8.00 am to 8.00 pm
 •   Friday 19th August - open 3.00 pm to 8.00 pm
Saturday 20th August - no restriction
Sunday 21st August - no restriction
 •   Monday 23rd August - open 8.00 am to 8.00 pm

Please look for local notices or check with BW if you may be affected by the late opening. Pennine Waterways website has no control over any changes to the announced plan.

Any enquiries about these restrictions should be made to British Waterways on 01782 785703.

Update 10th August:
British Waterways has offered additional advice to boaters.
On Friday 12th, Monday 15th, Wednesday 17th and Friday 19th August, boaters wishing to use the 'Rochdale Nine' should arrive at either Lock 84 (at Dale Street) or Lock 91 (at Castlefield) by 1.30 pm to reach the restricted section by the time it re-opens and to ensure safe passage of the flight. Arrival at these points after 1.30 pm on these dates will mean that passage will not be possible until the following day and you are advised to find a safe mooring away from the flight.

On all other dates including Saturday and Sunday (13th & 14th) the canal will remain open normally (i.e. from 8.00 am).

BW's recommendation to be clear of the 'Rochdale Nine' flight by 4.00 pm each day still applies but will be reviewed in the event of any further civil disturbance in the city.

Update 12th August: Important!
British Waterways has now changed the above advice. It would appear that the restrictions now also apply on Tuesday 16th and Thursday 18th August in addition to the dates shown above.

In other words, restricted passage through these locks will apply each day next week, Monday 15th to Friday 19th August inclusive.

If you are intending to go through the 'Rochdale Nine' locks next week, please phone BW on 01782 785703 to arrange assisted passage.


Lock 86, Rochdale Canal

Police Close Canal Near Leeds

The Leeds and Liverpool Canal has been closed just west of Leeds while the police carry out an investigation.

The canal has been closed to navigation between Lock 13 at Newlay and Lock 7 at Kirkstall.

Boaters should remain moored above Newlay Locks or below Office Lock in Leeds until the canal has been re-opened.

The towpath is also closed.

An update will be issued tomorrow (2nd August). Any enquiries about this stoppage should be made to British Waterways on 01942 405700.

Update, 8.00 am 2nd August:
The canal and towpath have now been re-opened.


Newlay Locks, Leeds and Liverpool Canal

One Day Stoppage on Huddersfield Narrow

There will be a one day stoppage on the Huddersfield Narrow Canal at Milnsbridge on Thursday 28th July.

Lock 8e at Factory Lane, just below Milnsbridge, will be closed to navigation for the day. This is in order to carry out investigations in preparation for repair work which will take place over the coming winter period.

Any enquiries about this stoppage, including from boaters booked for Standedge Tunnel, should be made to BW on 01782 785703.

Note: Lock 7e at Milnsbridge is closed today (26th July) for the same reason. Sorry for the lack of warning, but no advanced notice of this has been received.


Lock 8e in Milnsbridge

Bridgewater Canal celebrates 250 years!

The Bridgewater Canal is 250 years old!

The Duke of Bridgewater's pioneering canal was opened on 17th July 1761. While it was not Britain's first canal, it was the first modern canal to be built in Britain along a route that was independent of a river. To celebrate this landmark anniversary a number of events are taking place along the canal's route.

On Saturday 16th July a "Right Royal Regatta" will take place, recreating the visit of Queen Victoria to Worsley in 1851. Come along and cheer and wave flags as the 'Queen' boards the 'Royal Barge' at Patricroft before travelling to Worsley with a flotilla of boats!

There will be a boat trip and entertainment for residents from Winton as part of the Right Royal Regatta event. The trip ends at Oldfold Park where the group can watch the regatta go by before the return trip.

On Saturday 16th July New Manchester Walks is organising a walk from Castlefield to Worsley, starting at 10.30 am from Deansgate Station. packed lunch and walking boots needed!http://draft.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8708194174142075974#allposts

On Sunday 17th July there will be "a leisurely guided stroll around Worsley Village to mark the 250th anniversary of the opening of the Bridgewater Canal, taking in the major sites connected with this wonder of the industrial age". This starts at 2.00 pm from outside Worsley Courthouse. The circular walk will be around 1.5 miles long.

On Sunday 17th July a walk will take place to launch a self-guided walk and heritage trails linking the canal and railway heritage in the Eccles and Patricroft area. The walk will start from Eccles railway station forecourt at 1.00 pm and will last approximately 3 to 4 hours. Appropriate footwear and clothing should be worn. For more information email info@freccles.org.uk or telephone 0161 789 5016.
Eccles Community Arts Gallery will run a Capture the Canal painting competition during September. This is open to all ages and will end with an exhibition in a public art gallery in Eccles.

Later in the year, the Friends of Salford Museum and Art Gallery are linking together a series of community-based activities and events. You can help them to investigate the Bridgewater archive and select pieces to exhibit. There will be opportunities to record people’s memories and stories of the Bridgewater Canal. A film will be created for people to tell their tales and experiences with the Bridgewater Canal. A mobile app for iPhone and Android users will help people explore the canal through a Heritage Treasure Hunt. A tapestry will also be created to commemorate the 250th anniversary.

The Friends of the Bridgewater Canal, in conjunction with Trafford Walkers and Ramblers Trafford, are organising guided walks. These will be: on 13th August, from Lymm to Stretford and on 8th October 2011, from Stretford to Worsley


Worsley at the heart of the Bridgewater Canal

Future of Pennine canals on Politics Show

Yorkshire's edition of The Politics Show last weekend featured an eight minute item about how the New Waterways Charity could affect the future of the area's canals.

The programme shows footage filmed at Standedge Tunnel, Bingley Five Rise Locks and Sowerby Bridge. It includes interviews with the Huddersfield Canal Society's Alan Stopher, British Waterways' Julie Sharman, Shire Cruisers' Nigel Stevens and Waterways' Minister Richard Benyon.

The item can be viewed by anyone in the UK by following this link to BBC iPlayer and moving forward to 51 minutes into the programme. It will be available to watch until 17th July.


Alan Stopher being interviewed at Standedge Tunnel (BBC)

Cill Stoppage on Huddersfield Narrow

Boaters on the Huddersfield Narrow Canal face delays after a cill was damaged at Lock 16e at Linthwaite, between Slaithwaite and Milnsbridge.

The wooden cill by the tail gates of the lock has been damaged. BW is de-watering the pound below so that the damage can be assessed.

BW will issue an update once the extent of the problem is known.

Update 4th July:
At the moment BW do not think the lock will be re-opened until Thursday morning but will issue a further update tomorrow.

Update 5th July:
The fish rescue on the pound being drained below Lock 16e is taking longer than expected. It is therefore expected that the canal will now reopen on Friday morning.

Update 6th July, 4.30 pm:
Repairs have now been completed and the canal is being rewatered.
BW says that the canal should re-open to navigation before 12 noon on Thursday 7th July.

Note:
Boaters should be aware that, when closed, a lock gate butts up to a wooden cill (or threshold) that forms a water-tight seal against the gate. These wooden cills are usually slightly higher than the adjacent canal bed. Attempting to enter or leave a lock when water levels are too low can result in the boat's skeg catching the cill and damaging it, or even ripping it out of place. This will mean a water-tight seal cannot be made, making it difficult (or impossible) to completely empty or fill the lock. Boaters should not attempt to force a boat over a cill but should ensure that the water level is increased before proceeding. If necessary BW should be called out to assist.


Looking towards Lock 16e at Linthwaite.

Restricted Opening on Ashton Canal

There will be restricted opening times on the Ashton Canal this week due to evening stoppages as work is carried out to connect the marina arm at New Islington to the main canal line.

From Tuesday 28th June to Friday 1st July, the canal between Locks 2 and 3 in Ancoats will be de-watered between 4.00 pm and 1.00 am.

The canal will be open and available for use during the hours 1.00 am to 4.00 pm.

There is no suitable mooring above the stoppage area, so boaters heading from Ashton to Manchester (such as those doing the Cheshire Ring anti-clockwise) should not set off from Ashton after 12.00 noon on those days but should moor up at Portland Basin.

Update 28th June:
To complicate matters further today, there is an emergency stoppage at Lock 16 at the top of the Clayton flight.

The water is very low between pounds 16 & 17 due to a paddle being overwound. The paddle has come out of its frame and it needs replacing and the paddle rod needs straightening.

British Waterways will be on site at 10.00 am fitting stop planks and the maintenance team will be repairing the paddle. The canal will be re-open at 2.00 pm.
Boaters are asked to wait below Lock 16 or above Lock 17 and await for instructions from BW staff.

Update 28th June:
Repairs at Lock 16 have been completed and the navigation re-opened at 12.30 pm.


The location of this week's evening closure between Locks 2 and 3, Ashton Canal.