Temporary stoppage between Ware Lock, Hardmead Lock and Stansted Lock, Lee Navigation

We are pleased to report that due to improved water levels the restrictions on navigation have now been lifted and the canal is now fully open.

The temporary navigation restriction between Stanstead Lock - Hardmead Lock will continue with restricted passage from Tuesday 28th August until further notice. The Lock opening times are as follows:

10:00 to 11:00 (this opening subject to closure at short notice due to water levels)

15.00 to 16.00

The morning opening is dependent on water levels and may be changed at short notice.

We are taking guidance from the Environment Agency regarding this, and are monitoring the levels closely as to whether the navigation can sustain two daily lock movements.

These opening arrangements will remain in place for the foreseeable future.

The temporary navigation restriction between Stanstead Lock - Hardmead Lock will continue with restricted passage from Wednesday 22nd August until further notice. The Lock opening times are as follows:

15.00 to 16.00

Due to the low water level, we kindly ask customers to make essential journeys only. For passage booking and further information, please contact the Customer support team on 0303 040 4040/Email: [email protected].

Please be advised staff will be on hand to assist customers through Stanstead lock during these times but Hardmead lock will be unmanned.

We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

The temporary navigation restriction between Stanstead lock - Hardmead lock will continue with restricted passage from Thursday 16th August until further notice. The Lock opening times are as follow;

10.00 to 11.00

15.00 to 16.00

Due to the low water level, we kindly ask customers to make essential journeys only. For passage booking and further information, please contact the Customer support team on 0303 040 4040/Email: [email protected].

Please be advised staff will be on hand to assist customers through Stanstead lock during these times but Hardmead lock will be unmanned.

The temporary stoppage between Ware and Stanstead Lock on the Lee Navigation will continue until further notice. Constant monitoring is ongoing with a further review of our position on the 15th August.

Unfortunately, assisted locking will not be available as these movements are preventing the levels from increasing. Further updates will be available later on this week.

Please be advised we are planning to provide limited access through Ware Lock, Hardmead Lock and Stansted Lock from Friday 10th August at the following times;

10.00 to 11.00

13.00 to 15.00

17.00 to 18.00

Stanstead, Hardmead and Ware lock will be operated by staff during these times and passage through these locks will experience some delays until the lock can be shared in order to minimise water usage and prevent unnecessary drain on the river level.

Please be patient during this unprecedented time and contact us on 0303 040 4040 to book passage and for further information.

Following the long period of dry hot weather there are continued low flows of water in the Lee Navigation through Hertford and Ware. There are risks and impacts on both the navigation and the local environment.

Please be aware we have had to take the difficult decision to put in place a temporary stoppage between Ware Lock, Hardmead Lock and Stansted Lock. The three locks will be closed from 07/08/2018 (3pm) for 72 hours to enable the water flow to bring the levels back up again.

We will be monitoring the situation constantly and are working closely with the Environment Agency who manage Ware Lock and the Amwell Magna Loop of the River Lea.

Once levels have increased we will be planning assisted locking through all three locks at specific times throughout the day. These times will be made available in due course with contact details to arrange passage.

You can report any environmental incidents including fish in distress or very low river flows and reservoir levels to our customer service number 0303 040 4040 or 0800 47 999 47 or use the Environment Agency incident hotline 0800 80 70 60 (Freephone, 24-Hour).

Please be patient during this unprecedented time and contact us on 0303 040 4040 for local updates and further information.