THE back pumping system on the Tinsley Flight on the Sheffield & South Yorkshire Navigation has failed again.
This means that again the flight is closed so there is no access to the Sheffield Basin (pictured below) and Tinsley Marina, Keith Gudgin tells us.
Problems started
It was on the 22nd November 2013 when the problems with the pump started, with its failure closing the canal, and boaters being told the repair was awaiting parts, but it was reopened on the 4th of December of that year.
Then the flight had to be closed again as the pump had become blocked. but was cleared fairly quickly. then on the 6th of December—for the third time—the pump failed, needing a spare part, putting Tinsley Flight out of action over Christmas until the 8th of January.
Two pumps
At the time is was learned that there were actually two pumps, one used as a back-up, that was obviously, as now, out of action.
With lack of spares in stock and a backup pump not working, it seems indicative of the way the Trust is now running its waterways.
There is no intimation as to when the flight will be reopened, but, as in the past, parts are having to be ordered as none are kept in stock.
UPDATE:
The parts have now arrived, and we are told the pump should be working again today, Wednesday 23rd November.
FURTHER UPDATE:
Pump not efficient causing low water levels, Tuesday 24th November.