THE OLD MAIN LINE IS TO SUFFER four lock flights being closed.
Coming in force next Monday the 27th, Keith Gudgin reports.
Closed to navigation
Described by Canal & River Trust as due to ongoing pressure on water resources, Brades Lock Flight, Spon Lane Lock Flight and Smethwick Lock Flight will be closed to navigation on that day.
But there is more on the Old Main Line—the Wolverhampton Lock Flight (pictured) will be closed to navigation also from next Monday.
The restrictions currently in place were intended to reduce water demand and conserve limited water supplies whilst maintaining navigation opportunities, the trust states. But despite these measures, water resources have not recovered sufficiently to support continued lock operation.
Now necessary
Following the assessment by the teams, it has come to the conclusion that closure is now necessary to conserve water supplies and protect the wider navigation network.
This decision has not been taken lightly, the trust tells, but remains necessary to help conserve available water supplies during a period of sustained dry weather and reduced water availability.
And another
There is another lock flight that will be closed next Monday in addition to those above.
This is the Rushall Canal, with its flight from Lock 1 to Lock 9 being closed though lack of water. Again it is due to ongoing pressure on water resources.