Hazelhurst Locks (10, 11 and 12) and Cheddleton Locks (13 and 14)

Due to ongoing pressure on water resources, the Caldon Canal will be closed to navigation from Saturday 1 August 2026 until further notice. The restrictions introduced on 17 July 2026 allowed essential navigation movements through Hazelhurst Locks (10, 11 and 12) and Cheddleton Locks (13 and 14) while helping to conserve water. Despite these measures, water resources have not recovered sufficiently. Following ongoing assessment by our operational and water management teams, a temporary closure will be necessary to conserve water, protect canal infrastructure and support the longer-term management of the navigation. * From Saturday 1 August 2026, navigation will be suspended through Locks 1 to 14, and no passage will be possible whilst the closure remains in place. We understand this will affect boating plans and apologise for the inconvenience. This decision has not been taken lightly but is necessary to help manage water resources and safeguard the canal network during a period of continued pressure on water availability. The closure will remain under regular review and will be lifted as soon as conditions allow. Updates will be provided as circumstances change. Boaters are encouraged to check the latest noticesbefore travelling, as operating arrangements may change at short notice. Boaters are encouraged to check the latest notices before travelling, as operating arrangements may change at short notice. To help conserve wateracross the network, please share locks where possible, ensure paddles are fully lowered after use and check that lock gates are properly closed. We appreciate the patience and cooperation of all boaters during this challenging period.

Following our review of conditions, no significant rainfall is currently forecast. As a result, the restriction on the Caldon Canal will remain in place. We will continue to monitor the situation closely, including weather forecasts, water levels and the condition of the network.

Due to an asset failure and ongoing water resource concerns, a navigation restriction will be in place on the Caldon Canal from 8.00am on Friday 17 July 2026. Passage will be restricted to customers who need to enter or exit the southern section of the Caldon Canal for essential purposes only. Anyone wishing to pass through Hazelhurst Locks (10, 11 and 12) or Cheddleton Locks (13 and 14) should contact West Midlands Customer Services to arrange passage. This process has been put in place to enable essential navigation movements whilst helping to conserve water supplies. Customers can contact us by: * Email: [email protected] * Telephone: 0303 040 4040 The restriction has been introduced to help manage water resources and protect the canal network while investigations and mitigation measures continue. The situation will be reviewed weekly, with the next review taking place on Monday 20 July. We will continue to closely monitor water levels and the condition of the network. Should conditions deteriorate further, it may become necessary to implement a full navigation closure from 1 August 2026. At this stage, no decision has been made to close the navigation and every effort will be made to maintain access for essential movements.