THE COMPLETE CLOSURE of the Anderton Boat Lift is being questioned by campaigners.
About its current open-ended closure of of the lift, Janet Friend reports.
Raised concerns
The River Weaver Navigation Society (RWNS), which campaigns for the lift has raised concerns about the current shutdown of the Anderton Boat Lift.
That has left boaters stranded all too often on the Weaver and having to use the Manchester Ship Canal to escape.
Canal & River Trust is currently seeking £15 million to restore the lift to ensure its full operation 'long into the future'.
But it was restored for the same reason in 2002 (our picture) and again when its rams were replaced, and other times after gate failures, that actually happened when we were taken up with the Press at its 2002 opening!
However, this year, it took the decision to close the lift to all traffic for the 2025 boating season, it telling due to‘a problem with the lift gates and lifting components.
Questioned current closure
Though the RWNS tells it appreciates the need for restoration, it has questioned the necessity of the current closure, adding it has been told C&RT is still using the lift for its own service boats as and when needed.
It adding that whilst the closing the lift until after the former restorations may be convenient for Canal & River Trust it is far from convenient for boaters who pay substantial annual fees to travel freely around the canal network.
RWNS is wanting transparency on the reason for the closure, and has asked whether some kind of interim solution for getting the lift reopened could be found.
The trust admitted that it has been operating the lift weekly ‘to prevent further deterioration’ though not for boaters.
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