Leeds & Liverpool Canal closed throughout August!

Published: Friday, 13 July 2018

IT GETS worse! Not only a four hour 'window' to use locks, but now Canal & river Trust is closing six lock flights on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal completely!

From the end of this month Wigan, Gargrave, Barrowford, Greenberfield, Bank Newton and Gargrave flights will all be securely chained up to make sure no navigation can take place! Keith Gudgin reports.

LeakingLLMaking locks inoperable

Though of course it is not admitted, this has been caused by the constant leakage of so many locks on the waterway that is draining the limited water supplies, and why locks are to be 'ashed' (putting ash around gates to prevent leakage).

The photgraph of a Leeds & Liverpool flight lock shows the real reason.

We are told that to prevent unauthorised access though vandalism, measures will be taken to make the locks inoperable.

Possibly closed into September

It is admitted that it is not clear how long the closure will last for but it’s likely to be throughout August and potentially into September, but the trust is pleased to say that whilst the closure will prevent use of the canal by boats 'the towpath will remain open for visitors and the local community alike to enjoy'.

So it you are at present boating on the Leeds & Liverpool, get off it as soon as possible. And as to the hire companies...?