ANOTHER FIVE CANALS CLOSING through lack of water means the situation is getting most serious indeed.
With many waterways now effected, Keith Gudgin reports.
Walsall Canal
Ryders Green Flight, including locks 1 to 8 are now closed through lack of water on the Walsall Canal.
But it gets worse, for the water shortage is so bad that on Monday, due to ongoing water resource challenges, Canal & River Trust tell that restrictions are being introduced at Brades, Spon Lane and Smethwick Lock Flights, that will have to be closed to navigation.
Chesterfield Canal
Another navigation that is really suffering from low water levels is the Chesterfield Canal, with two sections now closed through lack of water.
The navigation is closed from Thorpe Top Treble Lock 20 to Boundary Lock 41a.
In addition to the above the Chesterfield Canal is suffering more low water.
This is the pound from Gringley Lock 61 to Gringley Shaw Lock 62, with the navigation closed.
Coventry Canal
Atherstone Flight is to be closed, the trust telling that due to continued dry weather and the ongoing pressures on water resources across the network, it tells it has taken the difficult decision to close the Atherstone Lock Flight to navigation from Tuesday 4th August until further notice.
The trust adding—The closure follows the temporary operating restrictions introduced on 28th July 2026, which reduced lock operating hours to help conserve water and support navigation. Whilst these measures have helped reduce demand, water resources remain under significant pressure and additional action is now required.
Stort
The river is closed from Lock 14 to Lower Lock 15, due to low water levels.
The navigation closure is currently in place to allow water levels to recover, with the level being monitored.
Hertford Union Canal
The Hertford Union Canal is also suffering low water levels with it closed from Lock 1 to Lock 3.
With the trust telling this is part of its ongoing efforts to manage and maintain water levels across the wider network, with a navigation closure necessary.
THE GOOD NEWS
Llangollen Canal
Repairs are on track for Hurleston Locks on the Llangollen Canal to reopen..
Following completion of the works, it will need to allow at least 24 hours for the locks and canal pounds to replenish.
As a result, navigation between Lock 1 and Lock 4 on the Hurleston Flight of the Llangollen Canal will reopen at 10:00am on Sunday 2nd August. From then, a passage through the locks will be available daily between 10:00am and 4:00pm, with the last passage at 3:00pm.
Rochdale Canal
The water levels from Lock 13 down to Lock 9 have improved enough to be reopened on the Rochdale Canal and the padlocks are being taken off.
However, it is told the section from Lock 8 to Lock 5 still has not recovered, so will remained padlocked until the water levels improve.