Descriptions
Update 10 August 2026, 9:56am
Please note that from Monday 10th of August, the opening times for locks 46 and 37 on the Hatton flight will be 10am to 3pm, with the last boat entry at 1:30pm.
Please also note that the restricted locks will only be open on a Monday, Wednesday and Friday until further notice.
The aim of this restriction is to reduce water demand and allow water levels to recover and it is a trial operation to see if this has a positive impact.
We hope this coordinated action will allow for your continued enjoyment of our waterways throughout the summer and that providing this advance warning will allow you to make suitable plans.
Thank you for your understanding.
Update 7 August 2026, 12:44pm
Following continued monitoring of water levels, Hatton Lock Flight will remain closed to navigation until at least 1pm on Monday 10 August.
The closure remains necessary to allow the 8-mile pound above the flight to recover from low water levels. We can report that additional water is now being supplied into the system from Olton Reservoir, which will help to improve conditions.
Our teams will continue to monitor water levels closely over the weekend and will review the situation on Monday morning. We expect to be in a position to make a decision regarding reopening the flight by midday on Monday 10 August.
Update 5 August 2026, 4:08pm
We have made the difficult decision to temporarily close Hatton Lock Flight to navigation from 1pm on Thursday 6 August. To allow boats already on the flight to clear the locks, the last entry into Lock 46 and Lock 37 will be at 11:30am.
This closure is necessary to allow the 8-mile pound above the flight to recover from low water levels, caused by an issue with the pump at Camp Hill Locks and reduced feed from the North Stratford Canal.
We hope to reopen the flight under the current restrictions on Saturday 8 August, subject to water levels recovering sufficiently.
We are closely monitoring the situation and doing everything possible to maximise available water supplies across this part of the network. We will continue to review conditions and update this notice as further information becomes available.
Original 30 July 2026, 12:44pm
Due to continued low water levels and to help conserve water resources, navigation through the Hatton Lock Flight (Locks 46 to 37) will be restricted from Monday 3 August 2026 until further notice.
Passage through the flight will be available between 10am and 3pm only, with the last entry into the flight at 1:30pm to ensure all boats can clear the restricted section before navigation closes for the day.
These restrictions are being introduced to help maintain navigable water levels and preserve water resources across the network during the current period of prolonged dry weather.
Please note:
- The lock flight will be open to navigation between 10am and 3pm only.
- Last entry into the flight will be at 1:30pm.
Boaters are asked to share locks where possible and ensure paddles and gates are closed after use to minimise water loss. Please follow the THRIFT code
We apologise for any inconvenience and thank you for your cooperation while we manage the impacts of the current dry weather and low water levels.
