Leeds and Liverpool Summit Restrictions

In a bid to prevent closure of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal this year, British Waterways are beginning restricted opening hours on the locks each side of the canal's summit pound.

From Monday 9th May, the Barrowford and Greenberfield flights of locks will be locked between 6.00 pm and 8.00 am Monday to Thursday. The locks will remain open on Friday evenings and at weekends.

Lasy entry onto these flights will be at 4.00 pm. Volunteers will then padlock the locks at 6.00 pm when all boats have vacated the locks.

Bank Newton and Gargrave lock flights will not be padlocked but BW request that boaters do not use these locks after 6.00 pm as there will be no feed into the East Marton pound during that time so if the locks are used and pounds run dry, there will be no supply of water to refill pounds.

BW say these restrictions will reduced the feed from the reservoirs by around 50% and the water saved will help towards keeping the canal open throughout the season. Last year the shortage of water resulted in the closure of 60 miles of canal between Wigan and Gargrave.

During restricted opening hours last year, some boaters cut off padlocks and used the locks anyway. BW have stated that if that happens again the boats will be traced with a view to prosecuting the boaters for criminal damage.

BW also warn that if any pounds are drained by vandalism or boater misuse then they will not automatically use additional water to refill them. So far this year BW is aware of numerous instances of boaters leaving paddles up on these critical lock flights.

Before opening paddles at locks, check that the previous boater has properly closed the paddles at the other end of the lock. When you leave a lock, check that you have properly closed all paddles. This is one of the simplest ways of helping to keep the canal open. BW also request that boaters wait for another boat so that locks can be shared and not to turn empty locks if a boat is approaching from the opposite direction.

When travelling downhill on these lock flights, a crew member should fill the next lock before you empty the lock you are in, thus re-filling the pound and avoiding unnecessary waste down the by-wash.

If the water situation deteriorates, BW will introduce further restrictions, which will include Barrowford, Gargrave and Wigan flights being closed between 6.00 pm and 8.00 am 7 days a week.

For any enquiries about these restrictions contact British Waterways on 01942 405700.


Greenberfield Locks

Serious Water Shortage at Sowerby Bridge

British Waterways have issued an urgent warning to any boaters planning to use the eastern part of the Rochdale Canal. This involves the need to book Tuel Lane Lock in advance and the risk of delays or even closure.

As a result of the continuing dry weather, the Environment Agency has told BW to stop using the pumps that extract water from the River Calder at Luddenden Foot. These pumps feed the 3-mile long pound above Tuel Lane Lock. As this is Britain's deepest canal lock, each time it is used, a huge amount of water is taken from the pound, which cannot be replaced simply from the normal use use of the locks above. BW state that "loss of this abstraction will have a significant effect on our ability to continue navigation".

With immediate effect BW are requiring advanced booking for Tuel Lane Lock. This will be limited to one use of the lock per day. The time of this locking will flexible and will depend on the availability of water and the needs of the booked boaters.

Bookings will only be taken 48 hours in advance to the Red Bull office - 01782 785703.

BW warn that this will result in delays for boats passing through. If the pounds below Tuel Lane (i.e. above Locks 1 and 2) become starved of water, BW will have to close this section of the canal until water is available.

BW warn that "anyone choosing to pass down the east side of the Rochdale Canal should do so with the knowledge that water supplies are constrained and that Tuel Lane may not be navigable for some time".

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

This restriction affects boaters navigating the South Pennine Ring. It does not affect the Calder and Hebble Navigation.

Update 10th May:
The recent showery weather has eased the situation very slightly. As a result the number of lockings will be increased to two per day in each direction (i.e. four narrowboats per day in each direction). Narrowboats must share the lock. Passages must be booked a minimum of 48 hours in advance as described above. The pattern of two lockings a day in each direction will continue daily until the end of next weekend, at which point the situation will be reviewed.


The tunnel below Tuel Lane Lock, Sowerby Bridge

Broken cill delay on Marsden flight

The Marsden lock flight on the Huddersfield Narrow Canal is closed at the moment following damage to a wooden gate cill at Lock 32e.

The cill on the lock has been damaged to such an extent that the leakage through the gate will not allow filling of the lock. The British Waterways team are on site and will be effecting the repair today.

For the latest information about this stoppage contact British Waterways on 01782 785703.

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.


Pigtail Lower Lock (32e) Huddersfield Narrow Canal

Low Pounds on Western Huddersfield

Boaters planning to use the western side of the Huddersfield Narrow Canal should be aware that they face delays due to low pounds in two areas.

It seems that two paddles at Lock 3w in Ashton had been left up overnight, draining the long pound back to Lock 4w at Stalybridge. British Waterways expect the pound to take a couple of days to re-fill, as the feed to the pound is limited. It is not known whether the paddles were left up by careless boaters or by vandals.

The pounds between Lock 10w and 13w in Mossley have also been drained but there is no information about the cause of this. These are fairly long pounds so could take a while to re-fill.

Boaters heading eastwards should wait at Portland Basin in Ashton until the levels rise, while boaters travelling westwards should wait at Roaches Lock (15w). Boaters moored in Stalybridge should wait where they are for now.

For the latest information about these stoppages contact British Waterways on 01782 785703.

Update 26th April 5.00 pm:
The pound between Locks 3w and 4w is recovering well. It is 4 to 6 inches down but should be passable with care. The pounds below Mossley have started to recover but are around a foot down, so may not be passable yet, although they should be by tomorrow. (These are personal observations. As yet no information about these problems has been published by BW.)

Update 27th April 5.00 pm:
The canal is now navigable between Ashton and Stalybridge. Boats that were waiting at Mossley have now come down through Stalybridge. To help fill the long pound between Locks 3w and 4w, water has been let down from above Lock 7w, and that pound was low this afternoon. However, that is expected to recover shortly. Phone BW for latest information.

Update from BW 28th April 11.30 am:
Water levels are still low between Locks 8w and 15w. Water is being run down from further upstream and full navigation is expected to be restored later today.

BW is asking boaters at this time avoid taking matters into their own hands in dealing with low water, as this will undermine their efforts to restore the wider canal to normality. If you are in this area and find yourselves stuck, please contact British Waterways Red Bull office 01782 785703 or Free Phone Canals 0800 47 999 47.

BW once again reminds boaters of the need to ensure that all paddles are fully closed after use.

Update from BW 28th April 3.00 pm:
Water is still low between Lock 10w and 12w so may not be passable. The problems have nearly been sorted so the section should be back to normal over the weekend.


Lock 3w, Huddersfield Narrow Canal

Two Day Ashton Stoppage

The Ashton Canal will be closed today and much of tomorrow following a paddle failure at Lock 17.

The offside paddle at Lock 17 has failed and cannot be closed. Water is being lost from the pound above, which has become un-navigable. BW says that a team will be starting work on the paddle this afternoon but it is unlikely that the canal can be re-opened here until late tomorrow (Thursday 21st April).

This stoppage will affect boaters navigating the Cheshire Ring and the South Pennine Ring. Boaters approaching the Ashton Canal should moor up at Portland Basin, Ashton or at Piccadilly Basin/Ducie Street, Manchester and not set off along the canal today.

For any enquiries about this stoppage contact British Waterways on 01782 785703.

Update: 20th April, 4.30 pm
BW ground staff have managed to repair the paddle quicker than expected and the navigation has now re-opened.


Lock 17, Ashton Canal

Paddle Problems at Todmorden

Problems with faulty paddles are causing problems for boaters on the Rochdale Canal in Todmorden this week.

Lock 18 (Shop Lock) in the middle of Todmorden was closed for much of today after a ground paddle "blew" and became partially sucked into the sluice culvert, making the lock unusable.

BW ground staff have been at the lock working urgently to repair the paddle, and the lock re-opened at 3.30 pm.

Unfortunately a problem then occurred at the next lock downstream. At Lock 17 (Old Royd Lock) one of the paddle rods detached itself from the paddle, making the lock difficult to use. The lock has had to be closed until repairs can be carried out. BW will treat the repair as urgent and are expecting to re-open the lock to navigation some time later tomorrow (Wednesday 20th April).

BW asks any customers with a booking to cross the Summit section of the Rochdale Canal who may be affected by this stoppage to phone the Red Bull office on 01782 785703 to discuss arrangements.

For any enquiries about this stoppage contact British Waterways on 01782 785703.


Lock 17, Old Royd Lock, just east of Todmorden

Water Loss Means More Delays on Huddersfield Narrow

Much of the east side of the Huddersfield Narrow Canal is suffering from a shortage of water after someone mis-used water control paddles at Lock 32e, Pigtail Lower Lock, adjacent to Sparth Reservoir.

BW says that following the mis-use of the water control paddles at Lock 32E overnight on Sunday 17th April, much of the East side of the Huddersfield Narrow Canal has become dewatered and impassable.

BW ground staff are working hard to recover the situation, however, it is likely that there will be delays for the rest of week as consequence.

The east side of the canal is currently closed, but BW hopes that it will can be reopened tomorrow morning, Tuesday 19th April.

However, this incident has made BW wary of boaters attempting to solve water problems unaided. They ask any boaters finding themselves stuck after the re-opening to contact BW rather than trying to resolve the situation themselves.

Update 19th April:
BW reports that the areas of the canal affected by this incident are now recovering well with most areas now being navigable. Water levels in several areas are still low but it is hoped that the whole east side of the canal will be navigable by some time tomorrow (Wednesday 20th April).

Unfortunately BW reports yet another misuse of paddles in which gate paddles were locked open for a period of hours during the day today causing further water loss and setting back the recovery.

Paddle warning: Boaters should make a point of checking that they have fully closed paddles after use. When using paddles they should also check that paddles at the other end of the lock are closed. In particular it is easy not to notice if hydraulic paddles are left open as this is less obvious than with conventional ratchet paddle gear.


Pigtail Lower Lock (32e) Huddersfield Narrow Canal

Emergency Stoppage at Milnsbridge

There is an emergency stoppage at Lock 12e just above Milnsbridge on the Huddersfield Narrow Canal.

The wooden cill that forms a watertight seal against the top gate has been damaged by a boat to such an extent that the gate cannot seal, preventing navigation. British Waterways staff have put stop planks in place to prevent the pound above draining.

On the morning of Thursday 14th April BW staff will remove the stop planks and assist waiting boaters through the lock. At 10.00 am the stop planks will be put back in place and the wooden cill will be replaced. The lock will closed until the repair is complete, possibly for the rest of the day.

There is currently a leak on the pound above this lock, which BW is trying to locate and which is causing the pound to become low. Unfortunately the level was too low for the boat to cross the cill block without causing damage.

Update, 14th March 3.30 pm: The repair has now been completed and the canal has re-opened to navigation.


Lock 12e at Milnsbridge

Note concerning cills:
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.

When levels are low, boaters should proceed slowly and be prepared to stop and back off it the boat makes contact with the wooden cill. Forcing the boat over a cill is selfish and could result in other boaters having their holidays spoilt by a stoppage. The best course of action is to send someone to open the next paddle above the cill in question and wait until water levels are high enough to cross a cill without making contact. (Only enough water should be released to increase the water level sufficiently. The paddle should then be closed again to prevent the pound above also becoming too low.)

Legging Fiesta Marks Standedge Anniversary

Monday 4th April 2011 was exactly 200 years after the official opening of Standedge Tunnel after a mammoth 17 years of construction.

The special anniversary was marked by a number of events over the weekend at Tunnel End and by boats being legged through Standedge Tunnel in the traditional way.

On Saturday 2nd April the historic wooden narrowboat Maria, built in 1854, was horsedrawn up the Diggle locks before being legged by members of the Horseboating Society through Standedge Tunnel to Tunnel End, Marsden.

On Sunday 3rd April members of the Horseboating Society legged three horseboats through Standedge Tunnel from Tunnel End to Diggle. On Monday 4th April the three horseboats, Maria, Elland and Vixen, were legged back through Standedge Tunnel from Diggle to Tunnel End. On all three days walkers were invited to accompany the boat horse walking over the moors between the two tunnel portals


NB Maria exits from Standedge Tunnel

Photographs from the event can be seen on the Horseboating Society website.

The weekend also saw a live broadcast from Tunnel End by Pulse FM and the opening of a new play area and Wildlife & Sensory Garden.

Tunnel guide Fred Carter, who has worked for BW at Standedge for 42 years, talks about the weekend in this video:

Improved Facilities at Hebden Bridge

British Waterways was pleased to announce that improvements have been made to the popular boaters' facilities at Hebden Bridge on the Rochdale Canal.

The landing stage at the facilities appeared to be sloping and sinking, with some of the boards rotting. It has now been replaced using sturdy oak posts for a longer life and an anti-tread surface has been put down to avoid slipping. The muddy border strip has been surfaced with chippings and a low fence put in place to prevent car drivers attempting to drive onto the landing.

BW's Stephen Ballard said: "The improvements have made a real difference. It is much safer and the changes have enhanced the appearance of the canal. The work should help boaters enjoy their time along the canal in a safe and relaxing way."


Before and after photos of the landing stage at Hebden Bridge facility boaters' facilities

Barton Aqueduct Re-opening Delayed

Barton Swing Aqueduct on the Bridgewater Canal will not re-open on Saturday 2nd April as planned. Additional work means that navigation across the aqueduct will not now re-open until Tuesday 5th April.

The delay has been caused by corrosion to two rods on the sluice on the south side. The rods have been removed and sent away for repair, but will not be returned to site until Monday 4th April.

If you need the latest information about this stoppage or to check on what time the aqueduct will re-open, contact the Bridgewater Canal Company on 0161 629 8266.

Standedge Tunnel Spectacle to mark 200th Anniversary!

2011 promises to be an eventful year on the Huddersfield Narrow Canal as a number of celebrations are planned to mark the 200th anniversary of the opening of Standedge Tunnel.

While parts of the canal were open to navigation from 1796, Standedge Tunnel and the Diggle lock flight did not open until 4th April 2011. To mark this bi-centenary, a long weekend of events is planned at Standedge for the 2nd, 3rd and 4th April 2011.

On Saturday 2nd April, the historic narrowboat Maria will be horsedrawn up the Diggle locks from Wool Road, starting at 10.30 am. At around 1.00 pm the boat will be legged through the 3.24 mile long tunnel.

When the boat disappears into the tunnel, energetic members of the public will be invited to accompany the boat horse as it walks up over the moors on a route of around 4 miles to meet the boat at Tunnel End, Marsden.

On Sunday 3rd April it is hoped that three horsedrawn boats will be legged through Standedge Tunnel starting at Tunnel End, Marsden at 1.00 pm with members of the public invited to walk over the moors with the boat horse.

On Monday 4th April it is hoped that three horsedrawn boats will be legged through Standedge Tunnel starting at the Diggle portal 10.00 am with members of the public invited to walk over the moors with the boat horse.

There will be a range of other activities at Tunnel End on all three days and, on Monday 4th April, there will be a re-creation of the 1811 opening day featuring "Thomas Telford" and a brass band.

Further information about this weekend can be found at www.standedge.co.uk and www.horseboating.org.uk


Legging in Standedge Tunnel in 2009. Photo: Paul Atterbury

If you have always wanted to help leg a boat through Standedge Tunnel, this may be the opportunity you have been waiting for! The Horseboating Society still need more volunteers to help leg the boats on 3rd or 4th April. It is an unforgettable experience and quite unlike traversing the tunnel on an engined boat or travelling on the electric passenger boat. You would need to become a member of the society but that is a small price to pay for such an opportunity! You will need to contact the Horseboating Society as soon as possible if you wish to take part - you cannot turn up and offer on the day!

Later in the year, on Sunday September 18th, there will be a Festival and Boat Gathering at Diggle, which will include short public trips into the tunnel from the Diggle end - the first time that BW has offered this! The festival will be held adjacent to Diggle top lock. Anyone wishing to take their boat to the gathering must contact Huddersfield Canal Society.

Late start to season on Huddersfield Narrow

Delays in the completion of planned work on the Huddersfield Narrow Canal have meant a late start to navigation of the canal this year and for visitors to Standedge Tunnel.

This Winter, British Waterways has been making "a significant investment" in the improvement of the trip boats at Standedge Tunnel in order to improve reliability. It turns out that the work involves is far more extensive than originally thought, and it has not been possible to make up for time lost through bad weather at the start of the year.

This means that the trip boats will not be able to start operating this weekend as originally intended. However, BW is confident that the boats will be able to commence operation on Saturday 26th March.

Protective scaffolding will need to remain in place until work on the boats is complete, which means that navigation past the site is not possible. This means that Standedge Tunnel will not re-open for boat passage until the scaffolding has been dismantled. It looks as if tunnel passage for 2011 will now begin on Monday 28th March.

Work on Lock 8E, Spring Mill Lock at Factory Lane, Milnsbridge will not be completed until Friday 25th March. BW has said that due to circumstances beyond their control, the lock gate replacement works at Lock 8E "have been delayed and will over run their original planned completion date by one week".

For any enquiries about these stoppages contact British Waterways on 01782 785703.


Standedge Tunnel

Ashton Canal Closure for new connection

The Ashton Canal will be closed for navigation between Locks 2 and 3 in Ancoats on Wednesday 16th March.

The pound will be de-watered to allow the connection to the new arm that forms part of the New Islington development. The stoppage will be between 7.00 am and 7.00 pm.

For any enquiries about this stoppage contact British Waterways on 01782 785703.