MORE CANAL CLOSURES have been published by Canal & River Trust.
It telling the recent rain has done little to replenish the reservoirs, Keith Gudgin reports.
Low water levels
These are on the Coventry, Grand Union and Oxford canals, caused by low water levels.
* Coventry Canal closure starts at Drapers Fields Bridge 1 and ends at Bridge 77.
* Grand Union Canal closure starts at Napton Junction 17 and ends at lock 20.
* Oxford Canal closure starts at Junction Bridge and ends at Marston Doles Top Lock 16.
Above average rainfall
The trust explains that whilst the prolonged period of dry weather has now ended and rainfall so far this month is above average, there has been little to no recovery in reservoir water levels since the closure.
However, we are hopeful that based on the anticipated increase in rainfall over the coming weeks, that we may be able to lift the closure and offer limited passage to allow movement before the start of the winter stoppage programme.
During the closure, from Friday 10th October to Sunday 2nd November there will be limited navigation through the stoppages.
Continue to monitor
The trust tells that it has continued to monitor the exceptionally dry conditions and the impact on our reservoirs. Unfortunately, despite our operational efforts and the cooperation of our boaters in reducing water demand, rainfall has remained well below the long-term average and we've seen a rapid decline in the situation.