Staffs & Worcs closed—or is it?

AFTER having 'a number of concerns' about the condition of lock paddles, Canal & River Trust has closed a lock on the Staffs & Worcs.

This means the Staffs & Worcs is now closed at Hyde Lock (12) at Dunsley below where the Stoubridge Canal connects with the navigation, it stated for three days to investigate the cause.

Complaints from boaters

The 'concerns' are complaints from boaters of the difficulty in operating the gate paddles, with it understood the paddle frame has become worn and so distorted preventing complete closure of the paddle.

This closure, yesterday, Friday 1st July states 'Navigation: Closed', but the stoppages notice states the lock will be closed from Wednesday 13th July 2022 08:00 until Friday 15th July 2022.

Will the lock be closed until then?  Or is it another error? Not at all clear, and certainly not at all fair to boaters not knowing.

LATEST:

Graham Booth tells us that friends have told him they have actually got through Hyde Lock, though with great difficulty and that the closure is not until the 13th of this month, though the trust maintain it is 'Navigation: Closed'!