Marston Doles Lock 15 & Lock 16, Oxford Canal

Detail

From Date: 14/10/2022 09:00

To Date: 28/10/2022 09:00 inclusive

Type: Navigation Restriction

Reason: Water resources

Is the towpath closed? No

Location

Closest waterway: Oxford Canal

Starts at: Lock 15, Marston Doles Bottom Lock

Ends at: Lock 16, Marston Doles Top Lock

Upstream winding hole: Fenny Compton Bridge 136

Downstream winding hole: Engine Arm, just above Lock 14, Napton

Updates

03/11/2022 08:55

Due to increased water levels, we no longer need to have a restriction at Marston Doles locks.

13/10/2022 16:14

Our reservoirs are now at critical levels.

In order to maximise the remaining water resources from reservoirs and back pumping, the Trust will continue with the restrictions to navigation at Marston Doles, Locks 15 and 16.

The opening times will be 9am to 2pm, with last entry at 1:15pm.

15/08/2022 16:03

Change to restricted hours:

Due to the ongoing water shortages we are experiencing, as of Tuesday 30th August, passage through the locks will be 9am to 2pm, with last entry at 1:15pm.

Description

After a relatively dry late spring into the summer, levels in reservoirs are lower than normal for the time of year.

In order to maximise the available water the Trust is taking the sensible precaution of locking targeted locks up overnight. This measure is intended to reduce the potential for water losses overnight and allow backpumps more time to transfer water from Braunston pound to the south oxford summit.

The opening times will be 9am to 4pm, with last entry at 3:15pm.

We will continue to monitor our reservoirs storage and canal opening hours with a view to keeping disruption to a minimum whilst balancing a need to save water.

Boaters also have a really important role to play and we ask that they help us to save water by making sure that all the gates and paddles are closed after use, sharing a lock if possible and waiting for oncoming boats where appropriate.