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Foxton Lock Flight

Type: Navigation Closure

Waterway(s): Leicester Line (Grand Union Canal)

From: 22 December 2025, 9am

To: 8 January 2026, 1:30pm inclusive

Region: East Midlands

Reason: Repair

Subject to review on: 9 January 2026

Location

Closest waterwayLeicester Line (Grand Union Canal)
Starts atLock 8
Ends atLock 17

Descriptions

Update 2 January 2026, 12:40pm

Unfortunately, today's attempt to repair the red paddle at Lock 17 was not successful. The team was unable to reattach the paddle due to high water levels, which will require additional stop planks and pumping to lower. This work will need specialist support and cannot be completed by the local reactive team alone.

We are arranging the next steps urgently and will provide a further update as soon as possible. Please note the lock will remain closed until at least the end of next week.

Thank you for your patience while we work to resolve this issue.

Update 23 December 2025, 1:26pm

Initial investigations show that the rod has become separated from the paddle, rendering the lock inoperable. Colleagues, trained to work in confined spaces, will attempt repairs on either the 1st or 2nd January.

The Lock flight and navigation will remain closed until repairs are complete. Please do not attempt to travel, this is for your safety and to prevent further damage.

We will provide further information as soon as it is available, or by the end of Friday 2nd January.

Original 22 December 2025, 10:16am

We've experienced an issue with the paddle on Lock 17 at Foxton Lock Flight this morning and the flight is currently closed to boat traffic. Our team is investigating the fault and expects to complete initial checks this morning. We'll provide an update on the issue and anticipated timeframe for the repair as soon as possible. Thank you for your patience and understanding while we work to resolve this.

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