Doubts about the Rochdale Canal

IT WAS the Halifax Courier that stated this week the future of the Rochdale Canal could be in doubt.

It telling that the waterway is frequently closed to through traffic, Keith Gudgin reports.

And frequent it is, having had two stoppages in April, four in May, two in June and three in July—11 stoppages in all, so it can be understood why it would seem its future is in doubt.

Fabric dam

Even now it is closed at Lock 7 and has been since the 26th of July with a 'fabric dam' installed and being told that water levels are continuing to increase gradually.

But then the contractors uncovered more problems,, though not told what the problems are, but expected to be completed by tomorrow, Friday.

Then should the work go to plan the dam will be removed on Monday 12th August and the navigation should finally be open the following day, Tuesday 13th.