The begining of the end?

THE Canal & River Trust has proposed a consultation on closures of the Gloucester & Sharpness Canal.

Telling that 'In order to provide the best service we can with our resources, we are seeking feedback from boaters about two options for reduced availability of the swing bridges on the canal in 2023. With the support of further volunteers, we plan to resume a full seven-day service in due course'. Keith Gudgin reports.

Full canal closure

The trust is proposing in Option 1:

A full canal closure for one day per week on either Tuesday or Wednesday. Sellar's Bridge to operate on a timed service with volunteer support.

For the rest of the week the canal would be open from 8am to 6pm.

Four days half closure

Option 2:

There would be a half canal closure on alternating days between Monday and Thursday. Normal operating hours between Friday and Sunday. Sellar's Bridge to operate on a timed service with volunteer support.

The canal would be open from 8am to 6pm.

Severn open all week

The locks will remain open seven days a week, however, Bevere and Holt will operate on a timed service.

The river would be open from 8am to 6pm.

With the full closure of the Gloucester & Sharpness Canal one day a week together with restricted hours. is this indeed the beginning of the end?

[We attempted to include a link to the form for the consultation but it would not load!]