THE TRUST HAS TODAY told of further navigations that are still suspended.
With their previous re-opening dates not being met, Keith Gudgin reports.
Huddersfield Narrow Canal
It was on the 28th March that the Huddersfield Narrow Canal was completely closed from locks 1E to 1W.
The dates given in the past for possible reopening have long gone and we are now told it will not be reviewed until the 1st September.
Oxford Canal
The Oxford Canal still remains closed between locks 26 and 27.
This is a fairly recent closure that occurred on the 20th July, but will remain in effect until further notice.
This measure is due to persistently low water levels.
Leeds & Liverpool Canal
By far the worst suspension of navigation is the Leeds & Liverpool Canal, with all its flights, from Wigan to Leeds closed.
This starting with just a couple of flights being closed on the 22nd May, with others added as the weeks passed and water becoming an issue, until eventually all the flights were closed.
The notice of closure tells it is from Lock 2 to Lock 85.
Birmingham & Fazeley Canal
The Minworth and Curdworth Flights on the Birmingham & Fazeley Canal remain closed since the 16th June, meaning the navigation is closed from locks 1 to 11.
This is to be reviewed on the 4th August, but not expected there will be any change in the situation.
Caldon Canal
One for the future is the Caldon Canal, with it told it will be closed from the 11th August. But the Cheddleton Locks are already closed.
The stoppage on the 11th will be from Lock 1 to Froghall Basin, subject to review on 29th August 2025.
Lack of water
All the above carry notices such as—'Spring 2025 has been the warmest, sunniest and one of the driest on record and this will continue in August. Recent showery, and occasionally heavy, rainfall has made little impact to either reservoir holding levels or canal inflows, and rain has been largely absorbed into the ground'.