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The charity making life better by water

Grand Union, Regent's and Hertford Union Canals

Starts: 16 September 2019 04:00 pm

Ends: 25 September 2019 04:00 pm inclusive

Type: Navigation Closure

Reason: Water resources

Is the towpath closed? No

Location

Closest waterwayRegent's Canal
Starts atLock 9, Mile End Lock
Ends atLock 9, Mile End Lock

Updates

19/09/2019 10:39

Due to significant improvements with the water level, we have decided to open Kentish Town Lock and the Hanwell Flight to navigation from Monday - Friday between 10 am - 3 pm.

Our Operations Team is currently reviewing the situation and further updates will follow shortly.

Description

Following the long period of mainly dry weather, flows of water from the river tributaries that feed the Grand Union Canal remain low. This is having a direct impact on the water levels on the Paddington Arm, the Regent's Canal, and the Herford Union Canal. Our water management team has also recorded that water is frequently being run through locks, including Hampstead Rd, overnight which is further depleting the water supply. This means that currently there isn't enough water in central London for navigation.

We have therefore taken the difficult decision to temporarily close navigation so that water levels can return to normal.

The following locks will be closed from Monday 16 September 2019:

  • Grand Union - Lock 90 Top Lock only.
  • Regent's - Hampstead Rd Lock 1A and 1B
  • Regent's – Kentish Town Lock 3
  • Regent's – Mile End Lock 9
  • Hertford Union – Lock 1

We are monitoring the situation constantly and will reopen the locks as soon as practically possible. Our aim is to strike a balance between making the waterways as accessible as possible for boaters while mitigating against future risk and we appreciate your patience during this unprecedented time.

Contact us on 0303 040 4040 for local updates and further information or to report the unauthorised use of lock paddles.

photo of a location on the canals
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