Leicester Arm opens today

AFTER many weeks of closure and restrictions, the Leicester Section of the Grand Union Canal is open again to boating today (Friday).

It was in March that the lack of rainfall caused first restrictions to be put on lock operation and then the actual closure of the Leicester Section, but after the wettest April on record, with reservoirs more healthy, the section can be re-opened, and at the same time the lock usage hours can be lengthened.

Extended

The closure of the Leicester Section of the Grand Union Canal, between locks 18 Kibworth Top Lock and 38 Aylestone Lock (pictured), is lifted today, but still with limited lock use, though this has been extended to between 9.00am and 4.00pm.

In addition opening hours at Foxton, Watford, Buckby, Braunston, Calcutt and Stoke Bruerne are to be extended by around two hours. The measures are due to be in place until further notice, but will be reviewed after the Diamond Jubilee Bank Holiday in June.

Invested

Vince Moran, Operations Director for British Waterways explained:

"We're delighted that reservoir levels have improved to such an extent that boaters can enjoy the full length of the mainline Grand Union Canal once more. We invested a considerable amount of money over the winter to improve water efficiency and this work has enabled the canal network to really benefit from the heavy rainfall that we've experienced throughout April."

However British Waterways is still encouraging boaters to play their part in making the improved reservoir holdings last throughout the summer by taking a few simple steps such as sharing locks, ensuring paddles are closed after use and opening both gates when entering or leaving locks to avoid damaging their watertight seal.

Aren't complacent

Vince continues:

"Whilst the situation looks a lot brighter than it did a few months ago it's important that we, and the boating community, aren't complacent. Reservoir holdings traditionally fall over the course of the summer due to drier weather and an increase in boat traffic so it's important that everyone uses water efficiently to keep things running smoothly right through to the end of the main boating season."

Shortened opening hours are to remain in place for the time being on the Tring Summit as the reservoirs there are closely linked to groundwater levels and have not responded as quickly as others elsewhere on the network. Similarly there will be no change to opening hours on the Oxford Summit partly because holdings in Boddington Reservoir are being held down for engineering reasons. Reservoir holdings will be monitored closely and actions taken when it is appropriate to do so.