Don't misuse the locks

LOCK gate paddles having been left open overnight in Camden have caused major problems for many boats on the Paddington branch of the Grand Union Canal, with the same happening at other waterways.

It is a misconception that lock paddles left open encourage water build up that will break the canal ice; however the impact of the water has proved in the past to cause considerable amounts of damage to the towpaths and neighbouring gardens, and has also caused costly and dangerous bank and towpath erosion. Also, the sheer volume of water has caused the side ponds to overflow, Brian Holmes tells us.

British Waterways urges all canal users to let the ice thaw naturally and to continue to operate locks as usual when they become operable again. If you encounter a sudden drop in water levels then please phone Freephone canals on 0800 47 999 47.