Rochdale will remain open

Published: Thursday, 05 August 2010

BRITISH Waterways have confirmed that after reviewing the water supply position it has hopes that the Rochdale Canal will remain open until at least the end of the summer holidays.

Boaters intending cruising the waterways over the summit, must still book their passage, but bookings are now being taken until the end of August, as British Waterways are confident of a water supply.

Strict limit

However, there is a strict limit on the number of boats allowed, and though the other trans Pennine route, the Leeds & Liverpool Canal is closed, no extra traffic will be allowed with a spokesman for British Waterways telling us:

"We are now confident that we can offer navigation across the canal summit at least to the end of August, and hopefully beyond—although the current restricted boat numbers cannot be relaxed and there can be no absolute guarantees given the water position.

"We will review the booking availability each week from this point, and open up passage slots as we gain confidence that there will be water supply available to meet these."

However there is always the possibility of short stoppages should any emergency arise, and boaters should be prepared for delays for these to be dealt with, and are advised to allow extra time for their journey, bearing in mind this is a record dry period.

Saving water

As to saving water, boaters are being advised to  make sure all paddles are down and lock gates closed when leaving a lock, and attempt to share the broad locks wherever possible, to help conserve water.

Those boaters who have provisional bookings that had not been confirmed, will be pleased to learn that British Waterways staff will be contacting them to confirm their bookings if still required.

Boaters wishing to cruise the Rochdale Canal should contact the  Red Bull office on 01782 785 703 in the normal way.