Ripon boaters released this month

Published: Wednesday, 14 July 2021

WITH work at last underway on the failed Ripon Canal lock there is the chance that boaters will at last be released from the basin.

It was way back in April that the failed Oxclose Lock closed access to Ripon Basin, the stoppage being caused by holes in the lock floor on the 20th of April, eight weeks ago, Keith Gudgin reports.

200 boaters 'left in limbo'

This resulted in over 200 boaters being 'left in limbo' with absolutely nowhere to go and Canal & River Trust seemingly in no urgency to get the work underway.

But at last work is about completed with, we are told, cills being fitted yesterday, Wednesday. Then after the removal of the equipment the lock should reopen on Saturday, and the boaters will at last be allowed to escape.

But alas not along the Aire & Calder—it's closed!