Boats grounding on Grand Union Canal

BOATERS are complaining that the water level was so low on the upper Grand Union Canal that they were grounding, and those managing to cruise were unable to get to the bank.

This situation has gone on for over a week, yet no notice was issued by British Waterways warning of the situation.

Out of action

Investigating the reason, we discovered that the pumps above Knowle were out of action, and so any water coming down the Stratford-on-Avon Canal could not be diverted into the pound between Knowle and Hatton.

Further investigation resulted in us being told it was all due to 'hydraulics'—whatever that means.

Overflowing

This resulted in overflowing bywashes on the lower Stratford-on-Avon Canal but up to 12 inch drop in level between Birmingham and Leamington on the Grand Union Canal.

One boater, who did not want to be named, was annoyed that there was no public acknowledgement or warning about low water levels from British Waterways.