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Lock 1, Rufford branch

Type: Navigation Closure

Waterway(s): Rufford Branch (L&L Canal)

From: 18 August 2025, 10am

To: 5 September 2025, 4pm inclusive

Region: North West

Reason: Repair

Location

Closest waterwayRufford Branch (L&L Canal)
Starts atLock 1, Top Lock Swing Bridge
Ends atLock 1, Top Lock Swing Bridge

Descriptions

Update 4 September 2025, 3:11pm

We are pleased to advise the works to replace the paddles at Lock 1 on the Rufford Branch are now complete.

Our contractors will be on site tomorrow to remove the dams and navigation is anticipated to resume tomorrow, Friday 5 September by 4pm.

Update 28 August 2025, 3:19pm

Our local team is currently working to secure the area so that works can begin. Installation of dams and scaffolding is scheduled for early next week. Replacement paddles are being manufactured and are expected to be completed this week.

We anticipate that the canal will be back open towards the end of next week.

A further update will be provided on or before Thursday, 4 September.

Update 20 August 2025, 3:37pm

Navigation remains closed at Lock 1 on the Rufford branch of the Leeds & Liverpool Canal due to both paddles have failed and currently cannot be safely operated.

Unfortunately our teams have been delayed with other emergency's and remain developing a method of repair and manufacturing replacement paddles.

Our teams will be onsite from next week and an update will be provided Thursday 28 August.     

Original 18 August 2025, 3:53pm

Navigation is currently closed at Lock 1 on the Rufford branch of the Leeds & Liverpool Canal due to both paddles have failed and currently cannot be safely operated.

    Our specialist teams are in the process in developing a method of repair.  

  An update will be provided Wednesday 20 August. 

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