Leeds & Liverpool most likely closed until Easter

Published: Monday, 11 October 2021

THE ongoing problem with lock 31 on the Leeds & Liverpool means it will be closed for 'several months'.

That is what Canal & River Trust state concerning the repairs to Eshton Road Lock at Gargrave that developed a 'large depression' in the towpath side quadrant and deterioration to the masonry on the lock wall in September, Keith Gudgin reports.

EshtonRoad Lock2006Last passage on Monday

Though the lock was closed for safety reasons, the trust allowed boaters to make appointments for assisted passages. But the last of these will today, Monday, after which the lock will be completely closed, until the repairs are completed.

When closed, dams will be installed to allow the lock to be drained so that engineers can assess the full extent of the damage so that repairs can be carried out.

Though the assessment has not yet been done, the trust anticipate that the lock will be closed for several months to accommodate the repairs, with its estimate for the lock re-opening being Easter 2022.

Boats may have to move

The moored boats at both Gargrave & Bank Newton may have to move away if it is decided to conduct further repairs in the area, with boaters given notice to move.

No reason is given as to why the repairs will take months to complete, that seems strange when a full assessment has not yet been undertaken.