Lower Basin Washwall to Wide Lock Approach, Ellesmere Port NOW REOPEN

Summer stoppage works have now been completed on both top and bottom wide locks at Ellesmere Port on the Shropshire Union Canal. As a result full passage has now been restored through both wide locks with access available once more for wide beamed craft into the lower basin.

UPDATE (19 April 2010): Feasiblity studies are currently underway to determine the scope of the repair works required to the lower basin washwall on the Bottom Wide Lock approach. Passage continues to be unavailable for wide beamed craft until further notice. ---------------------------------------------------- Due to structural failure of the dock wall, Whitby Wide Bottom Lock has been closed on safety grounds until further notice while investigation works are completed. Further updates will be available shortly. The Canal & River Trust apologises for any inconvenience caused. Update: The wall has now been stabilised at this lock. From Thursday 17 August 2006 it will be possible for passage to be made through the narrow lock as normal. For swing bridge operation, the Cheshire West & Chester Council should be contacted direct as usual. Monitoring of the wall will continue until a permanent solution has been completed. The wide lock will remain closed until that point.