Descriptions
Update 19 August 2025, 11:27am
Navigation remains closed between Lock 1, Poolstock Locks and Bridge No.3, Bamfurlong Bridge on the Leigh Branch of the Leeds & Liverpool Canal. The third-party utilities company, with the support of our framework contractors, have now installed the dams around the water pipe and have isolated the area of the leak within the canal bed. A fish rescue has also taken place.
The third party are now looking into initial repairs to the embankment as a matter of urgency to ensure the stability of the canal bank and the aqueduct running below it. They will then further inspect the aqueduct and plan the repair. This is anticipated to take several weeks, with a provisional date set as 30 September.
If you have a Ribble Link and/or a Liverpool Link booking that may be affected by this closure and would like to speak to our North West Customer Service Team regarding a possible alternative date, please call us on 0303 040 4040, or you can do so via your online account.
A further update on progress made will be provided on, or before, Tuesday 2 September.
Update 13 August 2025, 12:51pm
The closure on the Leigh Branch has been extended to Lock 1, Poolstock Locks to Bridge No.3, Bamfurlong bridge due to the leak from the third-party utilities water line.
Buoys and signage have been installed, and dams will be installed soon. The third party are currently onsite preparing the site for repair.
As investigations continue, we do not have a current timeline for the repair, however an update will be provided by Tuesday 19 August on progress made.
Original 12 August 2025, 12:20pm
Navigation is closed between Bridge 2A, Railway Bridge and Bridge No.3, Bamfurlong Bridge on the Leigh Branch of the Leeds & Liverpool Canal whilst we investigate reports of a suspected leak from a third-party culvert near to Bridge 2B, Railway Bridge.
Whilst investigations continue, we politely request all customers to stay away from the affected area.
An update will be provided by Thursday 14 August.
