Victor discovers we're back to 'vandalism' again

IN THE PAST, problems with lock gates were often put down to vandalism.

But our showing all too often how this was impossible, the excuse was dropped, but here it is again, relating to the Leeds & Liverpool.

Our being told that the gate on Lock 88 had collapsed with vandals actually capable of removing the shear pins, that is virtually impossible without the right equipment.

Anyway it means it's closed that waterway in yet another place.

All major northern canals closed

In fact with both the Rochdale and Huddersfield canals also closed, it's making them somewhat of a no-go area this weekend.

The Rochdale has been closed with lack of water right back to the 17th March—that's five weeks.

Resulting in the navigation closed all the way from Lock 1 to Lock 24, with every week we being told that 'We are still closely monitoring the water levels and they have still not recovered'.

But five weeks and the short pounds have still not been filled. What is the trust using—buckets?

It's the same with the Huddersfield Narrow. (Pictured.) But no, it's not the same—it's longer! The navigation being closed since February, making it out of use for seven weeks.

This time from Locks 1E to 42E. the reason this time for its longevity (I like that word!) is that 'there is still little improvement in the navigation as the pump is starting to take effect'. 

Adding, however, it will remain closed as it is not ready to be opened up to navigation.

Thanks to our Keith for the above information.

The reason

Our boating friends took their boat up the Trent & Mersey over the recent holidays, and taking on water at the junction with the Staffs & Worcs on their return were told there was a blockage of boats at Cow Shit Lock attempting to get up through it. (The pictures shows a short queue going down.)

So they decided to moor for the day above the lock and walk down, to see 15 boats waiting to get up through the lock! Everybody telling how very slow it was to both fill and empty, with many a call to Canal & River Trust but with nothing done—all on holiday!

However, setting off very early the next morning they still found a queue that had had enough and had moored for the night below the lock, so down they went.

The reason? With a long lasting breach on the Macclesfield and a longer one on the Bridgewater, the only way for boats to risk the northern canals was by the tidal Trent and Keadby Lock, that many will not undertake. So all the north boaters can get is the Trent & Mersey. And there they were!

The picture shows why Colwich Lock is named Cow Shit Lock, for the mess the cows leave at the entrace to the lock for boaters.

The breaches

As to the breaches, the one on the Macclesfield between Cowley Bridge 51 and Bosley Lock 12, the trust is pleased to share 'that we have successfully reached agreements with neighbouring landowners to gain access to the breach site. Work is set to begin next week on creating an access track and site compound.

Temporary dams have been installed and water is being transferred through the breach site, that is helping to manage water resources and maintain the canal levels.

At this time the teams, we are told, have put together a repair plan, with a few final details still to be confirmed.

Based on this repair plan, it is expected the navigation will reopen for navigation on Friday (of course) 20th June—eight weeks.

It taking 12 weeks in total to repair.

As to the Bridgewater breach, this is in a completely different sphere altogether, the company in charge having little experience of such things, and the repair not being completed until the end of next year—taking two years in total!

Options!

Then there's the problems with the Anderton Boat Lift, with various dates and reasons turned out, resulting in no one knowing if it's working or not.

At present it is not, our being told engineers and specialists have been carrying out inspections of the structure and have now been asked to come up with several options to allow them to bring the boat lift back into service.

Once each option has been carefully reviewed, we’ll be able to move forward with the next steps to repair the lift.

Of course, as no option has yet been decided no opening date can be given. But once the detailed design and installation phases, have been decided. there could be some idea of when the lift can reopen.

One thing is for sure, the way 'they' are messing about—and since the 3rd January—it won't be open this year.

But advice from Canal & River Trust—For those planning to visit the Weaver or our other waterways, passage via Marsh Lock and the Manchester Ship Canal remains available.

The picture shows the rams that were installed just three years ago after a major restoration costing half a million pounds, that would 'ensure that it continues to delight and engage future generations.'—three years! There is something definitely wrong here if it wants more restoration taking all year...

To finish off

Another one from Keith to finish off—the Sheffield & South Yorkshire Navigation was closed on Saturday at Sprotbrough Lock due to a fault with the lock gate mechanism.  That will be reviewed by engineers.

Making up for it

My last effort contained nothing adverse concerning the trust, so I've certainly made up for it this time! Yet it brings it on itself, that's for sure.

Victor Swift—telling tales for 25 years.  And very fond of the em dash and italics!