[Lizzy J]

We have just been a couple of miles along the Trent and Mersey today and at Hoo Mill Lock there was a BW notice advising that Yard Lock at Stone was closed due to collapse of the upper chamber.

Have just checked on Waterscape and it is posted as closed until further notice for investigation.

Bu**er, out final arrival at our mooring after taking six months to bring her home may not now happen at New Year as planned!

[Paul_B]

10 Dec 2007 until further notice
Stoppage: Yard Lock, Stone

Associated Regional Office: BW Wales & Borders
UPDATE 19 December 2007: Investigations undertaken on 18 December have revealed substantial repairs required to the lock chamber which cannot take place until after Christmas. Therefore the lock must remain closed over the Christmas period and until further notice.

British Waterways apologise for the inconvenience, we will provide a more detailed update when the repair plan is available.

The navigation is closed at Yard Lock, Stone, due to an investigation of chamber failure. Winding is available below Lock 27, Star Lock, and above Bridge 96a. The towpath remains open.

(Enquiries: 01606 723800)

[NB Willawaw]

The unpredictability of canal boating I'm afraid (and perversely one of its charms).
We gave up trying to meet canal deadlines a long time ago.

This post has been edited by NB Willawaw: 20 December 2007 - 09:53 AM

[Lizzy J]

NB Willawaw, on Dec 20 2007, 09:53 AM, said:

The unpredictability of canal boating I'm afraid (and perversely one of its charms).
We gave up trying to meet canal deadlines a long time ago.

We appreciate that and we have worked around several stoppages already. Just a shame as we will now be stuck until next March. Oh well, that's life!

[pagan witch]

We were lucky with this one. Had planned to cruise T&M, up through Stone, SOT and then Caldon. If we had got to the other side of it and then it closed we'd have had to do a fair slice of the 4 counties to get back around it.

Even luckier, having retuned back to base the gear cable snapped as we reversed in. If we'd have got past Star Lock this would have happened whilst we were away from car / marina / chandlery.

[SteveE]

Hi All
Just back from a week on the boat - the week we were supposed to be using to get from Great Haywood to Macclesfield! The problem with Yard Lock arose because the lock would not empty when the bottom gates were opened. This was discovered to be because the lock chamber has a hole in the bottom through which water gushes - presumably from the pound above it. Major engineering said to be required to sort this one.
Regards
SteveE

[SteveE]

Waterscape stoppages updated to indicate repairs to Yard Lock will be completed in the week commencing February 11th.
SteveE