No real problems

WITH exception of a couple of stoppages on the Leeds & Liverpool there seem to be no real problems on the waterways at the moment.

With only four stoppages so far this month, yet now the 11th, these are way below the norm. Perhaps the ice preventing movement on many parts of the system had an effect, Keith Gudgin reports.

On  the Leeds & Liverpool the stoppage due to the failure of the culvert at Wanless Bridge at Foulridge Tunnel North East Portal will be done and the waterway reopened later this week.

The planned stoppage to repair the parapet on the third party Duke Street Bridge on the Kennet & Avon in early January has been cancelled.

Reading Borough Council no longer need this planned closure, so the navigation is open.

Restrictions

There are a couple of restrictions, at least allowing passage. One of a failed sluice on the Sheffield & Tinsley Canal, with Canal & River Trust stating that 'passage will still be possible'.

And on the Coventry Canal the Atherstone Lock 8 bottom end gates are dragging on the bottom of the canal and the trust telling it was 'concerned' that damage could be caused to the gates or to our customers’ boats, if left any longer than this.

However it was decided to have the gates held slightly ajar with the the trust telling that boats are able to squeeze though, with the flight open.

Work progressing well

Back on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal, and the stoppage at Wanless Bridge (145), we are told that 'work is progressing well and our contractors are ahead of schedule'.

This means it will be possible to resume navigation early.

All in all not looking too bad at the moment. So on to the winter works