Received via e-mail today from West Midlands CRT

 

Next official update due 23rd September 

 

'Since the closure on the South Stratford, our teams have carried out a number of repairs which have helped improve the canal's condition, and the recent improvement in weather and water levels is encouraging.

 

We are currently assessing the most appropriate way to reopen the canal and are hopeful that this may be possible before the end of the boating season. At this stage, we are exploring a range of options, including whether any restrictions may be required initially.

 

While we are unable to confirm a reopening date just yet, we expect to have a clearer picture next week and will share an update as soon as more information is available.

 

We appreciate your continued understanding and support while this assessment is ongoing'

 

 

Edited September 16Sep 16 by Arnac
Clarification

This must have affected the Avon Navigation Trusts income a fair amount sadly this year. Hopefully not too badly. 
 

 

Plenty of hire boats from Worcester been cruising to Stratford. 

 

Also AW manoeuvred several of their fleet from Wooten Warwen to Bancroft Basin

33 minutes ago, Arnac said:

Update received via e-mail today from West Midlands CRT

 

Next official update due 23rd September 

 

'Since the closure on the South Stratford, our teams have carried out a number of repairs which have helped improve the canal's condition, and the recent improvement in weather and water levels is encouraging.

 

We are currently assessing the most appropriate way to reopen the canal and are hopeful that this may be possible before the end of the boating season. At this stage, we are exploring a range of options, including whether any restrictions may be required initially.

 

While we are unable to confirm a reopening date just yet, we expect to have a clearer picture next week and will share an update as soon as more information is available.

 

We appreciate your continued understanding and support while this assessment is ongoing'

 

 

Is that from official notifications?

Haven't received it...🤔

I sent them an e mail.

That was their reply.

👍 That explains it. 

Thanks for posting.

Next update 30th September.

 

Question is, with decreased levels, will it ever open this side of winter...?

Good question. 

I had a stroll up to Bancroft Basin today (about six pontoon moorings available) and along the canal to the first locks which were looking a bit neglected and sorry for themselves.

About half a dozen narrowboats moored up on the Avon side. 

See what CRT say on the 30th. Hopefully they'll be in a position to give everyone waiting a bit more clarity.

Water in the basin is up and down ,we could not run the trip boat Jenny M two days , be useful if comming to Stratford you stay on the river

Strange there is sufficient water to run the big locks of Hatton but not the narrow ones of the Stratford. Sounds a bit like the Atherstone thinking that they refused to open but are now going to with no more water available than a month ago.

19 hours ago, Annie cariad said:

Water in the basin is up and down ,we could not run the trip boat Jenny M two days , be useful if comming to Stratford you stay on the river

Are AW still using the basin as a temporary mooring for part of their fleet?

2 hours ago, StevieN said:

Are AW still using the basin as a temporary mooring for part of their fleet?

Not really, they're turning the boats around on the river and doing pumpouts etc at Bridgefoot.

South Stratford due to reopen on 2nd October as per attached CRT notice.

https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/notices/019f7ffc-e41f-7c14-b13b-b4f425681c95

I particularly like the optimistic "the closure....is expected to be lifted on 2nd October."

Personally I can't see there's been significant rain fall in a week and that water levels are back to acceptable levels. Especially considering Hatton is still on restricted opening.

10 hours ago, StevieN said:

I particularly like the optimistic "the closure....is expected to be lifted on 2nd October."

Personally I can't see there's been significant rain fall in a week and that water levels are back to acceptable levels. Especially considering Hatton is still on restricted opening.

I'm not sure what else they're meant to say. If they announced it would be open on a date then something happened before that date which meant it couldn't open then they would have to issue another stoppage notice... and people would moan at that saying why did they say it would be open and then not?

As for keeping Hatton on restricted times I imagine it's so they can keep a supply to the Stratford. If restrictions on Hatton were lifted and that route was used more then the quantity of water available for the Stratford would be reduced.

Happy to report that we left Bancroft Basin this morning (2nd Oct) and are well on our way to Kingswood Junction.

CRT volunteers were on hand for the Wilmcote flight which was much appreciated. Lots of boats on the move as expected. Bancroft Basin reminded me of the Le Mans starting grid this morning.

According to the volunteers the Sth Stratford was closed to keep the Grand Union in sufficient water.

Water levels not an issue at the moment.

Here's the level at the top of the Stratford flight yesterday....