Rochdale and Peak Forest still remain closed

IT WAS on the 18th of July that Canal & River Trust closed the Rochdale Canal, but still no opening date.

The waterway is closed from Lock 1 at Sowerby Bridge to Lock 48 at Littleborough, due to continued dry conditions, with the recent rainfall having no effect, Keith Gudgin reports.

Passage is being allowed for boaters through Lock 9 to Hebden Bridge, but only on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 10am to 2pm for access to local services.

However boaters are warned to allow sufficient time to use the services in time for the 2pm lock closure.

Peak Forest remains closed

The Peak Forest Canal also remains closed by the failure on the 14th September of Wood End Lift Bridge (24), as steel fabrication work is required.

Contractors however are seemingly in no hurry to get the bridge repaired and reopened as we are told they are not planning to start until next Tuesday 11th October.  When work will be completed we are not told.