IT WAS WORK ON THE Slaithwaite reservoir that closed the Huddersfield Narrow Canal.
From 15th June, Keith Gudgin reports.
The works at Slaithwaite reservoir remain ongoing, meaning that levels within the reservoir are drawn down to enable these works to take place safely.
No water
But this means there is no water available to feed to the canal from locks 1E to 31E to enable navigation.
[The picture above caused us a little delay as the Slaithwaite reservoir was somewhat low. The picture below shows the inside of the Standedge Tunnel.]
We are told this drawdown of the reservoir will stay in place until the works are completed in Spring 2027, and therefore there is little chance of navigation before this time.
With these works, together with the drought there is insufficient water resources to maintain navigation for the long term on this section of the canal with no navigation between Lock 1E and Lock 31E, these locks being padlocked closed.
Standedge Tunnel
However the Huddersfield Narrow Canal is open so anyone looking to cruise through Standedge Tunnel from Diggle will be permitted to do so with a booking.
Boats will be able to turn in the winding hole above Lock 31E.