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Lock 7, Long Buckby - Grand Union Canal

Type: Navigation Restriction

Waterway(s): Grand Union Canal

From: 30 May 2025, 3:51pm

To: On-going

Region: East Midlands

Reason: Suspected Vandalism

Subject to review on: 30 July 2025

Location

Closest waterwayGrand Union Canal
Starts atLock 7, Top Lock
Ends atLock 7, Top Lock

Descriptions

Update 30 July 2025, 2:35pm

We have confirmation that the fabricator will be on site next week and will update this notice once we have more information on the planned work to repair the Lock.     In the meantime assisted passage is offered to wide beam boats, seven days a week. Please provide as much notice as possible during the week but weekend passages must be booked by 4pm on the Friday.   

Assistance can be booked by calling 0303 040 4040 and selecting the option for the East Midlands region or by email [email protected].

Update 2 July 2025, 3:46pm

Further to our previous update, a contractor will be attending site this week to assess the damage and provide timescales for the work to be completed.  

Assisted passage through the Lock remains in place for widebeam boats.  

The work is expected to be completed within two to four weeks and we will update this notice with further information when available.  

Update 4 June 2025, 5:48pm

Further to our earlier update, on Friday 6th June an Engineer will be inspecting the damage and preparing an assessment of the work required to repair the lock gate. In the interim period assisted passage is offered to widebeam boats, seven days a week. Please provide as much notice as possible during the week but weekend passages must be booked by 4pm on the Friday. Assistance can be booked by calling 0303 040 4040 and selecting the option for the East Midlands region or by email [email protected]. This notice will be updated again once we have more information on the timeframe for the repair.

Update 4 June 2025, 4:25pm

Updated review date, to follow the update text below. 

Update 4 June 2025, 4:15pm

An initial inspection has been made but further assessment is required before we can determine the scope of work required, until this has happened this restriction remains in place.

Original 30 May 2025, 4:01pm

The towpath side top gate on Long Buckby Lock 7 has been damaged by a boat and should not be operated.

This means that the lock is restricted to narrowboat passage only.  We are considering arrangements for assisted passage for widebeam boats and will update this notice early next week with the details.

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