LOW WATER AT BANBURY on the Oxford Canal has caused a great problem for Tooley's Boatyard.
As it has prevented its customers getting to the boatyard, leaving it in a precarious position, Janet Friend reports.
Unable to work
With the boatyard unable to carry out any work.
But Canal & River Trust has come to its rescue, arranging a team of volunteers to utilise the water available to get six boats needing work to the boatyard.
The volunteers are armed with the keys to to the padlocks to allow the lock gates to be opened, then working the boats through after enough water is available to float the boats then get them to the dry dock.
Matt Armitage, the boatyards managing director, tells:
So important
"The issue is now we're in a position where we are very short of money.
"That's why it's so important to get these boats to us but I've never ever been this close to closing and I'm very concerned that we can make it through to Christmas.
"It is that close. I've never been that close to closing before.
"But with this movement of boats, it has definitely given us a chance—so, I'm a fighter—and with this help, I think we can scrape through."
Tooley's Boatyard as been serving the boats of the Oxford Canal for 248 years!