Victor reckons there will be a long wait

WE WERE told by Canal & River Trust the problems with a gate on the Anderton Boat Lift would be solved by the 24th of January.

So those stuck boaters then gathered on the Weaver and the Trent & Mersey by the lift to eventually get to their destinations. 

But alas, it was not to be as a boater informed us. For it had been discovered that it was not just one gate that had problems but two!

Our picture shows the band playing at the re-opening of the Anderton Boat Lift.  Then the Press and television people took the lift to the top—but those same gates would not open!  So down we went, with no cruise on the Trent & Mersey but with very embarrassed British Waterways people. And those gates are still a problem.

Here comes the latest, for we are now informed that 'The nature of the current challenges and consequential closure of Anderton boat lift require an investigation which has statutory requirements'.

Whatever that load of bumf means it is bad news, very bad news. As we are now informed that an 'investigation and evaluation by specialist engineers [are required] and will take approximately a further six weeks'! 

So from the start of this circus on the 5th of January it looks like being a three months stoppage until the end of March! 

What the hell these people are doing to warrant a further six week 'investigation' beggars believe. And the cost?

Then the boaters stuck on the Weaver are told to use the Manchester Ship Canal to escape. And those stuck at the top?  Tough luck!

Too much publicity

So regular contributor, Ian Waters, tells I give too much publicity to Mercia Marina where we now moor.

Yes, yes, I have to admit I have been a bit over the top, but there is no doubt we were somewhat impressed with its many offerings after virtually nothing at our previous Sawley moorings. So perhaps just sticking to Press Releases for a while eh?

But as to giving publicity to other marinas, we have always welcomed it, but others don't seem to have anyone in charge of such, or even sending out Press Releases, with the exception of just a few who realise the advantage of our coverage, appreciated for its independence with no bias—and certainly not keeping to any party line, as do so many!

So don't blame us Ian!

How much Longer

How much longer indeed are so many repairs going to take to actually be completed?

I only too well realise that the matter of the length it takes for repairs these days is becoming rather boring reading, but no one else tells of them, so perhaps it's somewhat of a duty, eh?

It was way back in July of last year that our Keith reported (and the others below) that the Lancaster Canal was short of water due to a 'structural failure' at the Hollowforth Aqueduct 38, but it was later admitted it was a breach!

Then it was a matter of 'currently devising a safe means of access for further works to the structure', 'Having to evaluate the extent of damage', 'working hard on design and materials procurement', and so on, that took months.

Then in October a leak was discovered by the actual breach, and it was then fish were rescued, followed by the many notices of 'significant steps' being taken.

On Friday, the trust was pleased to share some 'fantastic progress over the past few weeks'! It had successfully completed canal bed repairs.

Alas, seven months and the breach has still not been repaired—there is something drastically wrong here, it taking what then was a weeks' work under the former British Waterways.

Ribble Link

And here's another very long one, that started on the 24th June of last year.

The Ribble Link was closed just as the season was getting underway due to a problem with a seal on the Tidal Stop Gate lock, which was preventing its operation.

Then of course came the usual concerning the engineers 'investigating a method of repair'. After this came the excuse that work could not start owing to the complex nature of the repair and so needed thorough planning.

It then needed a barrier so that the gate could be removed. Then it required specialist contractors.

Come the 1st August and the Canal & River Trust carried out a trial to get the waiting boats across, but only one boat made it across the Ribble to Preston Docks.

Then came the news on the 13th November that the gate was to be removed for the  seal replacement.

Alas, again, also on the 13th November came the information that due to a backlog of emergency works, changes in repair methods, and staff shortages, it as anticipated there would be a delay in completing the work.

Then on the 3rd December came exactly the same reason/excuse for not starting.

On the 10th of January it was stated that work would start at the end of the month.

But it didn't, all we getting was that work will be completed in a few weeks, but alas, past the time beyond the original passage dates for this year.  What a mess, eh?

Leeds & Liverpool Canal

The so neglected Leeds & Liverpool Canal must be on the list with its endless stoppages.

This time a 'blown' cill, as buggered cills are now called, that is sure to take time to repair, and most likely a long time. (Photograph by Pennine Waterways.)

But this is a strange one as Canal & River Trust tell the location as from Lock 7 Kirkstall Little Lock to Lock 11, Newlay Bottom Lock!  But which lock is it? Is this a new system to keep us guessing?

I reckon its Newlay Top Lock, but whatever, the cill packed-up on the 13th December—not such a long time ago I admit—but alas it is a cill, that these days take 'forever' to repair.

Some idea of this in its telling that the next update will be on Friday 14th February.  So then a month already gone and the contractors haven't even done their 'method of repair' yet.

So a long job or what?

Huddersfield Broad

Before I go I mustn't forget another stoppage that is heading for the 'long' list.

The Loco Lift Bridge that conked-out on the 18th of November and has had so many solutions—that did not work.

Ten weeks and counting...

That's an idea

What about a list of the waterways that have the most stoppages a year?

At least it would give boaters (and us) an idea of which are the most reliable to cruise. Yes, I'll do it!

Victor Swift—telling tales for 25 years