Descriptions
Update 24 July 2026, 10:22am
Our local team has attended site and assessed the water levels along this section of the canal. While levels have improved since the temporary closure was put in place, they have not yet recovered sufficiently to allow navigation to reopen safely. To ensure there is enough water for boats to pass through Newlay, Forge and Kirkstall Locks safely, the navigation will remain temporarily closed.
Our team will continue to monitor the situation and will carry out further checks over the weekend. As soon as water levels have recovered to a suitable level, we will update this notice and reopen the navigation for passage.
We appreciate your patience and understanding while the canal continues to recover.
Original 23 July 2026, 10:49am
Due to vandalism by local youths overnight, water levels on this section of the canal have fallen to a level where we need to temporarily suspend navigation through Newlay, Forge and Kirkstall Locks.
This short-term closure will allow water levels to recover and the canal to replenish. Taking this precaution now helps protect the navigation, minimise the risk of further water loss, and ensure the canal remains safe for all users.
Our local team will continue to closely monitor water levels throughout this section, and we expect this to be a temporary measure. The canal will reopen as soon as conditions have recovered sufficiently for navigation to resume safely.
We will provide a further update tomorrow on the progress of the recovery and will reopen the canal at the earliest opportunity.
