Lack of water closes three canals

THREE CANALS were closed yesterday through lack of water.

Two were regular culprits—the Erewash and Huddersfield Narrow, making the navigations non-navigable, reports Keith Gudgin.

Erewash

Caused by selling-off reservoirs and badly leaking structures, even a couple of weeks with no rain causing their closures.

The Erewash Canal is closed between Hallam Fields Lock 66 and Stanton Lock 65, a regular cause.

Huddersfield Narrow

Another usual stoppage through lack of water is the Huddersfield Narrow, but this time it is short of water from Stanley Dawson Lock 1 all the way to Ramsden Lock 13.

Our being told that the water levels are still very low and not enough to make navigation possible.

Huddersfield Broad

But now a different waterway suffering lack of water and so closed—the Huddersfield Broad.

From Lock 1 to Lock 9. Except for a small connection to the 'Narrow'—the entire canal is closed to navigation!

But though all too often used as a reason/excuse for the Erewash and Huddersfield Narrow stoppages—vandals are not being blamed!

Four stoppages

But not only the three stoppages caused by lack of water, but yet another swing bridge fails—you've guessed!—on the Leeds & Liverpool.

This time it is Micklethwaite Swing Bridge 199 that is closed, our being informed that there is an issue with the bridge wedges.

Contractors are on site today working to resolve the problem as quickly and safely as possible. 

All these stoppages are certainly not looking good for the new season that officially starts in nine days on Good Friday.