Chaos on the Trent & Mersey Canal

I HOPE you will let boaters know that it is chaos on the Trent & Mersey Canal at the moment, writes George Grant.

This is caused by Canal & River Trust deciding this is the time to close the locks from Dallow in Burton right down to Kings Bromley for dredging them out, with the dredger inside the actual locks.

Kept coming

Myself and others, that kept coming, were stuck at Dallow Lock and I was told the people struggled to get the dredger into the lock then dredge it. I arrived after this but had to wait all afternoon whilst it was done and taken out.

Talking to the others who had boats, stuck both sides, I may add, I learnt some were from various marinas in the area for a short cruise but intended turning back as soon as they could and leave if for another day, not knowing what lock would be closed.

Talking to the workers I was told they were to dredge the locks to Kings Bromley, so that obviously means those at Fradley that will surely cause utter chaos as each one is closed for navigation.

Until the end of June

This is going on right until the end of June, and it seems the locks are useable while the dredger is being taken from lock to lock but then there is a stoppage it seems for most of the day. But no stoppage notices issued.

I am only going at far as Branston so not sure how many dredgers are in operation and locks out of action.

I hope you can warn people, as I see you have published the blurb about it from Canal & River Trust, but it gives no details of the obvious stoppages at any of the locks that will obviously be closed.