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August 22nd 2009 updated August 24th

The Rochdale Canal has had to be closed at Boarshaw Lock (Lock 60) between Slattocks and the Rose of Lancaster, near Middleton.

This is due to a "large underwater obstruction" near the lock that is preventing navigation.

BW reports that it is unlikely that the obstruction can be removed over the weekend but it should be cleared early next week. An update will be issued on Monday 24th August.

There are good moorings at Slattocks above Lock 54 or at Irk Aqueduct below Lock 63 and boaters should remain at these until the obstruction has been cleared.

Any enquiries regarding this stoppage should be made to BW on 01942 405700.

Update:
The obstruction has now been removed and the navigation has re-opened.

August 15th 2009 updated August 20th

The "Rochdale Nine" locks in Manchester are to be closed for two days to allow the installation of new lock landings at Locks 86 and 87.

The stoppage will be on Wednesday 2nd and Thursday 3rd September (dates changed from original notice).

The new pontoon landings are being installed to make it safer for boaters to get on and off their boats at these locks once the traditional access on foot to Lock 86 has been blocked off by a new safety fence.

At present, boaters travelling downstream would have to alight from the bow of the boat in the lock entrance, which can be difficult or dangerous to do with some types of boat. Many crews send members ahead on foot to set these locks and open the gates, but this will not be possible in future and BW will require crews to be on board their boats between Locks 85 and 87. The new pontoon landings will make it safer to get on and off boats above Locks 86 and 87. BW is also planning to improve the existing landing below lock 86.

Any enquiries regarding this stoppage should be made to BW on 01942 405700.

Update:
The stoppage was originally announced for Tuesday 25th and Wednesday 26th August 2009, but will now take place on Wednesday 2nd and Thursday 3rd September instead.

August 11th 2009

The top gate of Lock 5 on the Bosley lock flight, Macclesfield Canal, has been damaged by boat impact.

There will be a half day stoppage on Wednesday 12th August. Lock 5 will be closed between 7.00 and 11.00 am.

The pound between Locks 4 and 5 will be de-watered in order to inspect the gate to ensure the integrity of the pivot beneath the heel post.

Any enquiries regarding this stoppage should be made to BW on 01606 723800.

August 10th 2009 updated August 13th

Lock 24e of the Huddersfield Narrow Canal, the Slaithwaite guillotine lock, has been closed following concerns over opearational safety.

According to BW, the operation of the lock has become unsafe and could pose a risk to customers.

Engineers will inspect the lock on Wednesday and BW will issue an update on Thursday 13th August.

The guillotine gate at the tail end of the lock is raised an lowered manually with a windlass. The lock, sometimes refered to as "Shuttle Lock", is believed to be the only narrow lock with a guillotine gate.

Update:
The guillotine gate will be operated by BW staff for the next 6 to 8 weeks until parts arrive for the repairs to be carried out.

Boaters heading west for Standedge Tunnel should wait below Lock 24e at 10.00 am on the day before their tunnel booking. BW staff will operate the guillotine gate and then chaperone boats up the remaining locks to Marsden. This chaperoning is intended to help conserve water supplies.

Any enquiries regarding this stoppage should be made to BW on 0113 281 6860.

August 5th 2009

Back in May, British Waterways announced restricted lock opening times between Holme Lock, Gargrave and Barrowford Locks, warning that the Leeds and Liverpool Canal could run short of water later in the year.

Fortunetely the damp Summer has come to the boaters' rescue! The high amounts of rainfall in the last few weeks has meant that water reserves have returned to safe levels and British Waterways has now lifted the restricted times for the locks.

British Waterways thanked boaters for their co-operation and patience during the restriction. However, they are requesting that boaters still maximise the water available by sharing locks where possible.

August 3rd 2009

A ground paddle has failed at Lock 5 on the Bosley lock flight, Macclesfield Canal.

There will be a half day stoppage on Tuesday 4th August to repair the paddle.

Stop planks will be put into place so that the area around the paddle can be de-watered.

The lock will be closed between 7.00 and 11.00 am.

Any enquiries regarding this stoppage should be made to BW on 01606 723800.

August 2nd 2009 updated August 3rd

There are reports of an emergency stoppage at Newlay 3-rise Locks, on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal to the west of Leeds.

It is reported that BW staff are informing boaters of a broken gate which may result in a closure of several days until it can be repaired.

Update:
The stoppage has now been confirmed. The heel post of one of the bottom gates has broken. A replacement part will arrive on Wednesday and work will begin then. BW will issue an update on Thursday 6th August.

Any enquiries regarding this stoppage should be made to BW on 0113 281 6860.

July 29th 2009

There will be a overnight emergency stoppage at Dobson 2-rise Locks, near Apperley Bridge, Leeds and Liverpool Canal.

The locks will be closed from 4.00 pm on Thursday 30th July until 8.00 am on Friday 31st July.

The stoppage is to enable emergency repairs to be made to a damaged cill.

Any enquiries regarding this stoppage should be made to BW on 0113 281 6860.

July 28th 2009 updated July 29th

There will be a one-day emergency stoppage at Lock 37 on the Bank Newton Locks, Leeds and Liverpool Canal on Friday 31st July.

Because the locks are already subject to restricted opening hours, this means that the locks will close at 6.00 pm on 30th June and re-open at 10.00 am on 1st August.

There is also a one day stoppage at Barrowford Locks on 30th July [see below].

Any enquiries regarding this stoppage should be made to BW on 0113 281 6860.

Update:
The stoppage has been amended so that the canal at Bank Newton should re-open at 2.00 pm on 31st July.

July 27th 2009 updated July 31st

The Sheffield and South Yorkshire Navigation has been closed at Rotherham following the collapse of a wall.

A large section of wall, understood to be part of the old Beatson Clark glass works, has collapsed - partly into the canal - about a quarter of a mile north of Rotherham Lock.

A further section of wall is in danger of collapse.

The canal will remain closed until the wall has been stabilised and debris removed.

Update:
The debris in the canal from the wall has now been buoyed off. Half of the channel is now navigable to a depth of 1.8 metres. Boats should keep to the side away from the buoyed area.

Any enquiries regarding this stoppage should be made to BW on 0113 281 6860.

July 25th 2009

A one-day stoppage on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal at Barrowford should help to reduce water losses.

Lock 47 on the Barrowford lock flight will be closed on Thursday 30th July.

Because the locks are already subject to restricted opening hours, this means that the locks will close at 6.00 pm on 29th June and re-open at 10.00 am on 31st July.

Anyone needing more information about this stoppage should contact BW on 01942 405700.

This stoppage follows two earlier one-day stoppages on the Bank Newton flight in June.

July 8th 2009

Lock 35e of the Huddersfield Narrow Canal, Marsden, is shut until Friday after the wooden cill has "blown".

Wooden cill blocks form a watertight seal when lock gates are closed. If a cill block is damaged or dislodged, there is no watertight seal and it becomes very difficult either to fill or to empty the lock, depending on which end of the lock is affected.

In a previous incident of a "blown cill" the bolts holding the wooden sill had corroded. When the lock was filled, the pressure of water in the gap below the gate forced the cill block upwards and washed it several yards downstream.

British Waterways intends to have the repair to Lock 35e completed by 9.00 am on Friday 10th July.

Any enquiries regarding this stoppage should be made to BW on 0113 281 6860.

July 6th 2009 updated July 7th

Vandalism has led to a section of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal being closed in Wigan.

The pound between Bottom Lock (87) and Pagefield Lock (88), the section which passes Wigan Pier, has been drained, making it un-navigable.

British Waterways staff are currently filling the pound, however, due to low levels in the feeder river and the long length of the pound, it is only filling slowly.

BW will issue an update once levels have been restored. Any enquiries regarding this stoppage should be made to BW on 01942 405700.

Update:
Water levels have been restored and the navigation has now been re-opened.

July 1st 2009 updated July 2nd

The careless actions of a boater have left the Huddersfield Narrow Canal closed at Golcar, between Milnsbridge and Slaithwaite.

BW reports that a boater has left paddles open at Lock 12e, near Milnsbridge, draining the long pound across Golcar Aqueduct to Lock 13e.

Normally this situation could be remedied within a day by BW staff penning water down from further up the canal. However, the current water shortages on the canal mean that the pound can only be filled slowly, which is expected to take several days.

Update:
Water levels have been restored and the navigation has now been re-opened.

Any enquiries regarding this stoppage should be made to BW on 01942 405700.

July 1st 2009

A tree has come down and blocked the Rochdale Canal between Pinnel Lock 26 and Hollins Lock 27 at Walsden, between Todmorden and the Summit.

At first BW were hoping that the canal could be re-opened within 24 hours. However, due to the size and location of the obstruction, specialist machinery and contractors are required to remove the obstruction.

Enough of the tree has been removed for the towpath to be re-opened but the canal remains closed to navigation at this point.

BW will issue an update on Friday 3rd July 2009.

Any enquiries regarding this stoppage should be made to BW on 01942 405700.

June 30th 2009

Following restrictions for the Rochdale Canal summit, BW today announced new restrictions affecting the use of the Marsden lock flight on the Huddersfield Narrow Canal. These are also due to water shortage.

Boats heading westwards and booked to travel through Standedge Tunnel should now be at Lock 24e (Slaithwaite Guillotine Lock) at 12.00 noon the day before the tunnel passage and to wait to be chaperoned up the remaining locks by BW staff.

Boats not booked to go through Standedge Tunnel should turn below Lock 22e in Slaithwaite and not proceed further.

Boats heading eastwards should moor overnight above Lock 42e in Marsden after they have passed through Standedge Tunnel. BW staff will arrive at 8.30 am the following morning and chaperone the boat down the lock flight.

Any enquiries about these restrictions should be made to BW in Leeds on 0113 2816860.

June 29th 2009

A shortage of available water in the reservoirs feeding the Rochdale Canal means that BW has changed the arrangements for boats passing over the canal's summit between Walsden and Littleborough. Boat numbers are limited and passage supervised through six locks on each side of the summit pound. It is hoped that this revised operation will conserve water resources and prolong the operation of the canal as far as possible.

Boat passage across the summit must be booked at least 48 hours in advance (or longer to avoid possible disappointment, as daily numbers are severely limited).

To book a passage, phone Customer Services at Wigan on Monday to Friday between 08.30 am and 4.00 pm. Tel: 01942 405700. If you need to call at a weekend to book a passage, contact the lock keeper on 0773 3124596 who operates a call back service for passage bookings only.

Passages across the summit section commence daily at 11.00 am at either Lock 31 (Lightbank Lock) or Lock 44 (Sladen Lock). There is currently a maximum of two boats a day permitted in each direction.

Unless a mooring on the summit has been booked, boats must make a continuous passage between Locks 31 and 44. Visitor mooring on Summit is available for up to 48 hour, but must be booked in advance. Mooring on the summit is at boaters' own risk of becoming stranded due to water issues. If intending to moor on the summit, passage off the summit passage must be booked at same time as passage on to the summit. For those who have booked a summit visitor mooring, passages off the summit at Locks 36 or 37 will start at 9.00 am Monday to Sunday.

Lock keepers will ensure that boats within the critical summit section are doubled up wherever possible in order to maximise efficient use of water resources. Boaters are asked to follow any instructions or advice given by lock keepers.

Boats arriving late for bookings will be rescheduled. However, BW may allow additional passages, subject to water availability and at the discretion of the local lock keepers. This can only be established at short notice due to the rapid changes in water conditions.

Recommended moorings for boats booked to cross the summit are as follows: -
 • East side: - Customers booked for the summit should moor the previous night below Lock 31.
 • West side: - Customers booked for the summit should moor the previous night below Lock 44.
 • Summit: - 48 hour mooring is available on Summit (see conditions above).
All boats not crossing the summit should wind below Lock 30 (Winterbutlee) on the east side and below Lock 48 (Littleborough) on the west side.

Any enquiries should be made to BW on 01942 405700.

June 29th 2009 updated July 1st

Four miles of the Rochdale Canal in Yorkshire are currently closed following a leak near Sowerby Bridge.

Water levels on the 2.5 mile long pound between Tuel Deep Lock (3/4) and Brearley Lower Lock (5) are very low, making navigation impossible. Investigations by BW staff revealed that water is leaking from the pound.

Attempted repairs carried out over the weekend have not been successful and the pound remains closed to navigation. More substantial repairs will be carried out this week and BW will issue an update on Wednesday 1st July.

The stoppage has been extended to Broadbottom Lock (7) at Mytholmroyd. Boaters intending to use this stretch of canal can obtain the latest information by contacting the lock keeper at Tuel Lane (07717342258).

Update:
Repairs have been completed and the navigation has now been re-opened. (1st July)

June 29th 2009 updated June 30th

BW has announced a one-day stoppage on the Diggle lock flight of the Huddersfield Narrow Canal. The locks will be closed today, Monday29th June, and are expected to re-open during Tuesday 30th June. The re-opening will be confirmed by BW.

The stoppage is required to repair a damaged tail gate paddle at Lock 26w.

Boaters waiting to use the Diggle locks cam moor on the summit pound at Diggle or at the Wool Road visitor moorings, below Lock 24w, Dobcross.

Boaters intending to use this part of the canal or booked through Standedge Tunnel should contact the BW on 0113 281 6860 for the latest information.

Update:
Interim repairs have been completed and the navigation has now been re-opened.

June 14th 2009

Tireless north-west canals campaigner John Fletcher has been awarded an O.B.E. in the Queen's Birthday Honours List.

John Fletcher was National Chairman of the Inland Waterways Association from 2002 to 2008. He is currently Chairman of the Manchester Bolton and Bury Canal Society and Vice-President of The Waterways Trust.

He has played an extensive role in campaigning for waterway restoration schemes throughout the north-west, including the Anderton Boat Lift, the Manchester Bolton and Bury Canal and the Northern Reaches of the Lancaster Canal.

John's O.B.E. has been awarded for services to the inland waterways.

June 14th 2009

Wildlife in Leeds are to experience high-rise living thanks to a development alongside the Leeds and Liverpool Canal.

Garnett Netherwood Architects have won a competition to design wildlife habitats to attract wildlife back to the area of Holbeck Urban Village, near the canal in Leeds.

Garnett Netherwood, who have designed three office buildings in Holbeck, near Office Lock, won the compatition with designs for 12 metre high towers to be constructed from recycled materials. The design mimics the three historic Italianate towers that are preserved in the Holbeck development.

It is described as a "concept" that would need further evolution. It is hoped that the towers would attract bats, birds, butterflies and insects.

June 12th 2009

Following a wave of protests that the safety fence planned for Canal Street in Manchester will block access to Lock 86, British Waterways has announced a package of safety measures.

Boaters were concerned that the new fence would make the use of Lock 86 on the Rochdale Canal more hazardous if foot access to the lock is stopped. Some had expressed concern that BW was not looking after the interests of boaters in this case.

BW has now responded to the criticisms by announcing a package of measures to improve safety at Lock 86 and "design out" the need for boaters to climb over the wall and use historic steps.

Details of the safety measures and photos of the locations, along with questions arising from the plans can be found on this page.

June 9th 2009 Updated: 10th June

Bank Newton Locks on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal will have two one-day stoppages so that worn-out paddles can be replaced.

Lock 40 on the Bank Newton lock flight will be closed on Friday 12th June.

Because the locks are already subject to restricted opening hours, this means that the locks will close at 6.00 pm on 11th June and re-open at 10.00 am on 13th June.

Lock 39 on the Bank Newton lock flight will be closed on Friday 19th June.

Because the locks are already subject to restricted opening hours, this means that the locks will close at 6.00 pm on 18th June and re-open at 10.00 am on 20th June.

Both ground paddles at the lock are worn out and need replacing urgently. British Waterways believes that this will aid water control and significantly reduce the loss of water in the East Marton pound, which has been a problem for some time.

Anyone needing more information about these stoppages should contact BW on 0113 281 6860.

June 9th 2009

The water levels on the Marsden lock flight on the Huddersfield Narrow Canal have now returned to normal after being drained by a boater last week.

Both sets of paddles on Locks 40E to 36E had been left open by a boater heading downhill, resulting in the pounds being completeley drained. When stopped further down the canal, the boater, who claimed to have had 20 years' experience, said he had left the paddles up at both ends of the locks to help another boat that was following.

This made the flight impassable and it had to be closed to allow the water levels to recover. Because BW is only allowed a certain amount of water from Yorkshire Water it took several days before the levels returned to normal.

The water level on the summit pound was down by 6 inches which meant passages through Standedge Tunnel had to be suspended, as the tunnel sides taper below the normal water level.

It is actions such as this which have previously caused BW to padlock the flight and only allow boats through under escort. This is the first year that boaters have been allowed to make their own way up or down the flight.

Boaters intending to use this part of the canal or booked through Standedge Tunnel should contact the BW on 0113 281 6860 for the latest information.

June 7th 2009

It was reported here in April that Manchester City Council is proposing to construct a safety fence along the side of Canal Street in Manchester. Aside from any adverse visual impact on the area, the fence would block access on foot for lock-wheelers to Lock 86 of the Rochdale Canal.

British Waterways has dismissed objections to this by saying that the steps are no longer safe and that the lock can be accessed by boat.

However, as the correct notices were not displayed, new notices have been issued and a new period for comments allowed. Comments will now be accepted up until 19th June 2009. The decision will now be taken by the planning committee at a meeting on 23rd July at 2.00 pm in the Town Hall Annexe.

Please follow this link to read more about Canal Street and the potential problems the fence could cause for boaters. There are links to the planning documents and the place where you can make comments on the application.

June 4th 2009

The Marsden lock flight on the Huddersfield Narrow Canal has been closed for a day or two after careless boaters left paddles open.

Paddles on Locks 40E to 36E had been left open by boaters heading downhill, resulting in the pounds being completeley drained.

This made the flight impassable and it has been closed to allow the water levels to recover. Because BW is only allowed a certain amount of water from Yorkshire Water it could take several days before the levels have returned to normal.

Boaters intending to use this part of the canal or booked through Standedge Tunnel should contact the BW on 0113 281 6860 for the latest information.

June 2nd 2009

The Rochdale Canal is to be closed for one day tomorrow (June 3rd) between Locks 8 and 9 in Hebden Bridge.

This stoppage is in order to complete repairs to the tailgate paddle at Lock 9.

For the latest information about this stoppage, contact BW on 01942 405 700.

June 1st 2009

Marple Locks (1 to 16) are to be closed for one day tomorrow (June 2nd).

This is to enable investigation works to be carried out on a damaged cill at Lock 4.

If any stoppage is required for a repair then an update will follow.

For the latest information about this stoppage, contact BW on 01942 405 700.

This stoppage will affect boaters travelling around the Cheshire Ring.

Wooden cill blocks form a watertight seal when the gates are closed. It is possible that one of the cill blocks here has been struck by a boat entering or leaving the lock while the level of the pound was too low. If a cill block is damaged or dislodged, there is no watertight seal and it becomes very difficult either to fill or to empty the lock, depending on which end of the lock is affected.

June 1st 2009 update June 1st: now re-opened

There was an emergency stoppage this morning on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal between Parbold and Burscough.

This was due to "a significant leak" at Deans Lane Aqueduct (37a) a mile west of Parbold village.

Contractors were due out on site this morning and BW will issue an update notice later today.

BW is advising boaters to wind below bridge 27a, Scarisbrick Bridge or above bridge 42, Appley Bridge.

Update:
The navigation has now been re-opened.
Presumably the contractors have deposited a layer of clay on the canal bed in the affected area. This swift re-opening is a happy contrast with a similar leak on the Huddersfield Narrow Canal which closed that canal recently for two weeks.

Today's leak near Parbold happened on a 27 mile long pound between Appley Bridge and Liverpool, so it could have become necessary to block off the canal on each side to prevent a major water loss had the repair not worked straight away.

Deans Lane Aqueduct is not from from where a major embankment breach occurred near Newburgh in July 2003.

June 1st 2009

Following last year's "meet the people" tour by Robin Evans and other BW Directors a similar series of meetings is taking place in 2009.

BW is describing these as "customer meetings" and invites its "customers" to attend. These meetings are described as being "a good opportunity for you to ask questions and for British Waterways to explain its future direction and proposed 2020 strategy".

In the north, meetings with Directors Vince Moran and Caroline Killeavy will take place at the following locations -

Saturday 6th June:
 • Tommy Hatton's Meeting Room, Guy's Thatched Hamlet, Bilsborrow, nr Preston, PR3 0RS. 10.00 - 11.30 am
 • Thomas Bourne Room, Standedge Visitor Centre, Marsden, HD7 6NQ. 2.30 - 4.00 pm
(to attend, contact Denise Bradshaw on 01942 405793)

Saturday 11th July:
 • BW Office Rooms 1+2, Fearns Wharf, Leeds, LS9 8PB. 10.30 am - 12.00 noon
(to attend, contact Linzi O'Neill on 0113 281 6861)

June 1st 2009

It was reported here in April that British Waterways was proposing to restructure its operations in England and Wales.

BW is asking for comments on this restructuring. Submissions to this consultation are invited up until 6th July 2009.

A pdf document "Consultation Document on Proposed New BW Boundaries" can be found here. This includes a Response Form for your thoughts. The form only concerns itself with boundary points between the areas and the names of the new areas. However, it invites you to append any other comments on a separate sheet.

If you would like to respond online, you can download a Word version of the Response Form, which can be returned as an email attachment to boundaryconsultation@britishwaterways.co.uk

For the area covered by Pennine Waterways website, the proposed changes would result in smaller North West and Yorkshire units, based at the existing Wigan and Leeds offices, and a new Peak and Pennine unit, which could include the Huddersfield Narrow, Rochdale and Peak Forest Canals, based at Northwich (see map extract).

BW says that the 11 proposed waterway units, to take effect from October 2009, will deliver improved levels of efficiency and customer service. In the revised structure, certain functions which fall outside of day-to-day maintenance, such as managing moorings, developing partnerships and carrying out major engineering projects, will be undertaken by specialist centralised teams.

BW's Simon Salem comments: "Each waterway unit is intended to be similar in length and with a similar number of physical structures. Beyond that, optimising water control and supply has been a major factor influencing proposed boundaries and we've also tried to reflect local authority and regional development agency administrative areas."

"The aim of the restructure is to achieve greater operating efficiency and, although boundaries between one waterway unit and another should be seamless, boat owners and boating trade customers in particular may wish to have a say in the final boundary decisions. This includes whether the locations of the boundaries are appropriate, plus any suggestions for the naming of particular waterway groupings."

More information about BW's proposals can be found on its website, here: www.britishwaterways.co.uk/twentytwenty.
The document "Twenty Twenty - a Vision for for the Future of our Canals and Rivers" can be downloaded here.

A short report will be published following the consultation summarising the feedback received and any changes to the boundaries made as a result.

May 16th 2009 updated 18th May

There are reports of a problem at Wakefield Flood Lock on the Calder and Hebble Navigation.

The gates are apparently damaged and are currently shut, with no boats being allowed through.

The gates on Wakefield Flood Lock are normally left open but they are closed when water levels rise on the river to prevent flooding of the area alongside the lock cut.

Update 18th May:
It is reported that boats are getting through the flood lock today, but engineers are on site and there may be some delays.

More information will be posted when known.

May 14th 2009 updated 18th May

An emergency stoppage has been announced today on the "Rochdale Nine" locks through the centre of Manchester.

This is because a cill has been damaged at Lock 88 (Oxford Street Lock).

The wooden cill blocks form a watertight seal when the gates are closed. It is possible that one of the cill blocks has been struck by a boat entering or leaving the lock while the level of the pound was too low. If the cill block is damaged or dislodged, there is no watertight seal and it becomes very difficult to fill (or empty) the lock.

For the latest information about this stoppage, contact BW on 01942 405 700.

Update 18th May:
Repairs have been carried out and the stoppage has now been lifted.

May 11th 2009

The Huddersfield Narrow Canal has been re-opened between Slaithwaite and Marsden.

This section of canal had been closed since 27th April following a "severe leak" into the culvert under the canal near Sandhill Cottages and Cellars Clough Mill, between Locks 31e and 32e.

Early repair attempts by British Waterways staff had not been successful and the leak continued. However, further efforts to plug the leak were made last Friday and the repair appears to have been successful. Two boats were allowed through the affected pound on Saturday and the stoppage notice has now been lifted.

Boaters intending to use this part of the canal or booked through Standedge Tunnel should contact the Tunnel Office on 01484 840629 to confirm their booking.

May 8th 2009

Normal service could soon be resumed at Salterhebble Guillotine Lock now that repairs are almost complete.

Electrical problems occurred with Salterhebble Lock in May 2008 and since then the guillotine has been manually operated by BW staff at certain times each day.

The new operating system (gear box and power transmission) has been installed and construction of the equipment platform has been completed. A period of testing now has to be carried out. Safety guards and anti-vandal measures also need to be put in place. So, for the next week, boats will be continue to be assisted by a lock keeper during the restricted hours that have been in operation:
 • 9.00 am - 10.00 am daily
 • 12.00 noon - 2.00 pm daily
 • 4.00 pm - 6.00 pm daily

For enquiries about Salterhebble Guillotine Lock, contact British Waterways on 0113 281 6860.

May 1st 2009

Repairs to Lock 8 of the Ashton Canal at Clayton got under way today after a series of delays. British Waterways have said that the work should be completed next week and hope to have the canal re-opened on Thursday 14th May.

The closure follows an incident on 21st April in which heavy duty wire becoming entangled in a lock gate. The cable, which had come from the adjacent Clayton Anoline demolition site, became wrapped around part of a tail gate, preventing the gate from being operated.

Following investigation it was discovered that "significant damage" had been caused to the tail gate and lower cill. Repairs required a full dewatering of the long pound between Locks 7 and 8. This meant BW had to obtain consent from the Environment Agency to carry out a fish rescue.

Once the pound was dewatered, it was apparent that "significant repairs" were required to the tail gate cills and lock floor. As this is a listed structure, consent had to be obtained from Manchester City Council's Conservation Officer.

This stoppage will affect boaters travelling around the Cheshire Ring and the South Pennine Ring.

Update 16th May:
It is reported that the canal is now open although no re-open notice has been received from BW. Boaters should be aware of a stoppage at Lock 88 on the Rochdale Nine.

May 5th 2009

Boaters waiting for the Huddersfield Narrow Canal to re-open between Slaithwaite and Marsden have even longer to wait.

This section of canal has been closed since 27th April following a "severe leak" into a culvert under the canal near Sandhill Cottages and Cellars Clough Mill, between Locks 31e and 32e.

British Waterways staff had worked through the weekend hoping to complete the repairs by Sunday night. Unfortunately the repairs were not successful and the leak continues.

A further update will be issued on Friday 8th May. Boats travelling from Huddersfield may not proceed beyond Lock 23e in Slaithwaite.

Boaters intending to use this part of the canal or booked through Standedge Tunnel should contact the Tunnel Office on 01484 840629 for advice.

There will be a stoppage on the western part of the canal on May 20th and 21st, when the canal and towpath will be closed between Locks 7e and 8e to allow contractors to work on the pylon which straddles the canal.

May 5th 2009

Carr Swing Bridge (no. 30) on the Upper Peak Forest Canal has been struck by a boat, sustaining "significant damage".

As a result, British Waterways Staff will be on site daily between the hours of 9.00 am and 5.00 pm to operate the bridge.

The bridge will be locked outside these hours.

For the latest information about this restriction, contact BW on 01942 405 700.

The bridge is a fairly new one, replacing an older swing bridge that was notoriously difficult to operate.

May 1st 2009

The Ashton Canal remains closed following an incident ten days ago in which heavy duty wire becoming entangled in a lock gate.

On 21st April a problem was reported after a length of heavy duty cable became wrapped around part of a tail gate, preventing the gate from being operated.

Following investigation it was discovered that "significant damage" had been caused to the tail gate and lower cill. Repairs required a full dewatering of the long pound between Locks 7 and 8. This meant BW had to obtain consent from the Environment Agency to carry out a fish rescue.

Once the pound was dewatered, it was apparent that "significant repairs" were required to the tail gate cills and lock floor. As this is a listed structure, consent had to be obtained from Manchester City Council's Conservation Officer.

Repairs to the tail gate cills and lock floor will now start early next week.

BW will issue a further update on Thursday 7th May.

This stoppage will affect boaters travelling around the Cheshire Ring and the South Pennine Ring.

May 1st 2009

British Waterways has announced lock restrictions, warning that the Leeds and Liverpool Canal could run short of water later in the year.

BW reports that, following an exceptionally dry start to the year, they have needed to extract water from their reservoirs to feed some canals earlier in the season than normal. As a result, the reservoirs supplying the summit of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal all have holdings below their long term average for this time of year.

BW warns that there is a moderate to significant risk that the reservoirs supplying the Leeds and Liverpool Canal will not have sufficient water to supply the canal throughout the boating season.

In order to reduce this risk and keep the remaining water available for as long as possible, BW is introducing restrictions in opening times of locks on the central part of the canal.

These locks will only be open for navigation between 10.00 am and 6.00 pm until further notice.

The locks affected are Lock 30 (Holme Bridge) to Lock 51 (Barrowford). This includes all the locks of the Barrowford, Greenberfield, Bank Newton and Gargrave flights.

May 1st 2009

Boaters waiting for the Huddersfield Narrow Canal to re-open between Slaithwaite and Marsden should be able to get moving again on Monday.

This section of canal has been closed following a "severe leak" into a culvert under the canal near Sandhill Cottages and Cellars Clough Mill, between Locks 31e and 32e.

British Waterways staff are to work through the weekend and the repairs are expected to be finished by Sunday night, with navigation re-opening on Monday morning.

Boaters intending to use this part of the canal are advised to contact the Tunnel Office on 01484 840629 to confirm whether the canal has re-opened.

The historic horsedrawn boat Maria has remained at Marsden this week, as it was not possible to proceed with the planned return journey to Huddersfield. On Sunday May 3rd, Maria will be legged back through Standedge Tunnel by members of the Horseboating Society, starting at 1.00 pm, on her way back to Ashton.