Yes!

BRITISH Waterways announced a few minutes ago that it was lifting its restrictions on the Grand Union Canal—the locks will no longer by chained-up preventing passage.

As readers of narrowboatworld will know, we have shown that the reservoirs, particularly those supplying the Tring summit pound have long been full, and have campaigned for the lifting of the since unnecessary restrictions, with a British Waterways spokesman now telling us:

Immediate effect

"British Waterways has announced that, following today's review of reservoir holdings, groundwater levels and canal usage information, restrictions to lock opening times in place on some parts of the canal network are to be lifted with immediate effect."

"In March, British Waterways published details of overnight lock closures at targeted locations in the Midlands and South to conserve water after some areas experienced the driest year on record in 2011. However April's heavy rainfall helped to improve holdings at a number of reservoirs across the South East enabling many of these measures to be relaxed."

Return to average

Continued rainfall through May and into June has seen reservoir holdings return to average for this time of year, and in many cases refill completely, meaning that restrictions can now be removed entirely.

Operations Director, Vince Moran, added:

"We couldn't be happier that restrictions can now be lifted ahead of the peak summer months. Restricting opening times was a necessary measure given the particularly dry winter, and one we took very reluctantly, but combined with our additional investment, and of course some heavy rainfall, our reservoirs are now largely back to normal".

Leaving gates open

We all know there are certain boaters who will not close gates or close paddles after use, so British Waterways tell us that where gates or paddles are persistently left open overnight locking will be considered at certain locations.

Whilst restrictions are being lifted boaters are still being encouraged to conserve water by taking a few simple steps such as sharing locks, ensuring paddles are closed after use and opening both gates when entering or leaving locks to avoid damaging their watertight seal.

Northampton Arm

Due to essential maintenance works the Northampton Arm of the Grand Union Canal will reopen on 29th June and, apart from a three days stoppage in July, will remain open throughout July and August.