THE CLOSURE of the Macclesfield and Peak Forest Canals has caused them both to decline as far as depth is concerned.
And now stop planks are installed. Keith Gudgin reports.
Now essential
These are now installed with Canal & River Trust telling it is now essential to protect the long-term sustainability of the network and continue supporting boaters in these areas.
How this continues to protect boaters is not told as Jon Molyneux has told us that 'we are currently moored just outside Whaley Bridge. Water levels have dropped over the last week or so. Most boats are now on the bottom with varying degrees of list'. (The boat is pictured.)
Both the Macclesfield and Peak Forest were closed from the 11th of August, but stop planks that are now going in will stop boat movements.
All Canal & River Trust explain is that on the Macclesfield Canal this starts at: Bridge 1, Junction Side Bridge and ends at Aqueduct 10, Red Bull Aqueduct.
On the Peak Forest Canal it starts at: Bridge 1, Stanley Lift Bridge and ends at Bridge 38, Whaley Bridge.
Maintain water levels
The following areas have been highlighted as places where the trust has higher confidence in the ability to maintain water levels:
Macclesfield Canal: Between Bridge 45 and Bosley Top Lock
Peak Forest Canal: Between Bridge 28 (New Mills area) and Bridge 38 (Whaley Bridge)
However if you are moored outside these areas the water will be prone to severe fluctuations, so boaters are advised to use slack mooring lines and mooring giving space between the boat and the bank.
No advice if you are stuck on the bottom!