Environment Agency stops Chesterfield drawing water

THE Environment Agency has again stopped the Chesterfield Canal Trust from drawing water from the Rother for the restored section east of Norwood Tunnel.

It has issued a 'Hands Off' flow notice for the river, meaning that water may not be taken from the Rother at St Helena’s, that will result in the canal slowly drying out, Roger Spurr reports.

Cancel cruises

The trust has therefore had to cancel all its cruises, both charters and public trips, on John Varley ll from Tapton Lock and on Madeline from Hollingwood Hub ,(pictured) with the trust apologising to its customers, but of course beyond its control.

The agency has not stated when water can again be taken, presumably not until there has been substantial rainfall.