THERE were just three stoppages over the two days of the weekend.

These were the Huddersfield Narrow, Kennet & Avon and Gloucester & Sharpness, Keith Gudgin reports.

Access issues

The 'Narrow' is closed from Lock 1E to Lock 3E due to access issues, making it four stoppages this month.

UftonSwingThe Kennet & Avon is closed at Ufton swing bridge (25A) with structural failure (pictured) and though both mechanical and electrical engineers have attended they have not yet been successful in completing a repair.

It appears that the parts required are not readily available.

Seven stoppages already this month

The Kennet & Avon has already had seven stoppages this month and is obviously becoming a worry for boaters intending to cruise.

The Gloucester & Sharpness Canal is closed at Parkend Swing Bridge (14) due to a mechanical failure, and boaters are informed it is closed 'while we diagnose the fault and carry out the repair'.

[Regarding Gloucester & Sharpness, Martin Turner remarks: A good one here. CaRT 'Navigation: Open'. How if the bridge is closed?]