Updates
14/08/2023 11:01
We have undertaken repairs and been closely monitoring the section when the windows of passage on designated days had been available.
We are confident that the repairs have been successful and we are reopening the lock passage with the original booking system that we had in place before.
We are doing bookings for 9am and have changed the 3pm to the new time of 2pm for afternoon passage.
The online booking system will be reopened.
03/08/2023 11:04
Despite our best endeavours we have been unable to determine the cause of the water loss above Lock 1.
We will continue to carry out investigations to identify the problem and so reach a solution to ensure the canal is once again open without restriction.
In the meantime, with all the rain we have received, such that water availability is currently less of an issue, we are able to offer occasional passage windows by manning the site with a team of our staff and volunteers. The manpower needed for this means that there will only be a small number of opportunities.
The windows of passage planned in so far are for the 4, 10, 14 and 24 August – we will try and add in additional dates as resources permit.
Anyone seeking passage should call our regional customer service team on 0303 040 4040 to book a slot.
02/08/2023 10:27
A team has grouted the forebay area of the lock, and unfortunately this does not seem to have solved the problem.
We are going to do further investigations to try to get to the root cause of why water is leaking from this lock.
We will update this notice on Friday 4 August.
25/07/2023 10:44
Further investigations on site have determined that the likely cause of the water loss is voiding within the lock headwall.
We will attempt to cure this with contractors undertaking grouting works to the lock commencing on Thursday 27th July. Works are estimated to take 4 to 6 days to complete.
We will provide a further update on Monday 31st July.
21/07/2023 14:58
We have booked a team to come and grout the lock and we are just waiting for a date when they can carry out this work.
A further update will be provided on 25 July.
19/07/2023 13:55
We have fully checked the state of lock 1e, as well as the pound and it seems that the issue causing water levels to drop is in the lock itself.
We are arranging for a team to come and grout the lock, which should improve the water retention.
This notice will be updated with progress on 21 July.
13/07/2023 16:19
We are not going to be able to re-open lock 1e until Wednesday 19th July at the earliest.
We need to understand if the problem that has caused the water level to drop in this stretch is in the pound or in the lock itself.
The team has refitted stop planks today and will see if the pound above 1e will refill. Depending on the outcome, they may then need to empty the pound to test whether the problem is in the lock.
This work will be complete next week and further updates will be posted.
We apologise for the inconvenience this may cause.
04/07/2023 13:16
The canal is still closed from Lock 1e to Lock 3e.
The water levels had reduced significantly overnight.
We will be monitoring it and will be reviewing the water levels again tomorrow morning.
We will update the notice should there be any improvements.
03/07/2023 14:38
The canal will stay closed at Lock 1 east, but the water levels are improving and we shall review the water levels again on Tuesday 4th July with a view to reopening if possible.
30/06/2023 13:40
The canal is still closed at lock 1e because the water level keeps dropping severely in this stretch.
Work is underway to refill the pound. We will review the levels on Monday and provide an update then.
We apologise for the inconvenience this may cause.
