A summer of stoppages

THE Canal & River Trust has admitted that there will be a summer of stoppages, but it states these 'have been selected due to the fact that they all have suitable diversion routes which will minimise the impact on our customers'.

Starting with the Rushall Canal, the gates on Lock 4 are being replaced, so the diversion will be by the Walsall Canal.

But it is closed

Then the next message from CaRT tells that Ryders Green Top Lock gates are being replaced on the Walsall Canal so the Walsall Canal is closed!

All part of the 'planned summer stoppage programme' we are told.  But obviously not planned very well.

The next stoppage has a date, Keith Gudgin tells us, with Birmingham & Warwick Junction Canal to be closed from 19th June to the 28th July—to replace Saltley lock gates.

The next notice concerns the Gower Branch off the Birmingham Main Line, that again has a long closure to replace gates on the double lock from the 22nd May  until 16th June, though this has a nearby diversion.

Birmingham access

Then another stoppage with the Digbeth Branch, that links Aston Locks with the Grand Union being closed later in the year, due to work on Asted Lock from 31st July to 25th August—the whole of the school holidays, so it is hoped nothing stops the Aston Flight, which is the diversion, or there will be no access from either the Grand Union or the Birmingham & Fazeley into Birmingham.

It is clear that the Trust has decided to replace the normal winter stoppages, that have little impact, to all year round stoppages, which obviously can have impact, but no reason for this has been given.  But at least work is being done.