Restrictions on Peak Forest and Macclesfield Canals

[MartinClark]

The continuing dry and warm weather will result in restrictions and lock closures on the Peak Forest and Macclesfield Canals.

Marple Locks are closed again because of continuing movement at Lock 11 and will remain closed now until the lock walls can be rebuilt.

Access to Bugsworth Basin will be closed from Monday 13th August.

Passage through Bosley Locks is being restricted to between 8.00 am and 2.00 pm from today.

Bosley Locks will be closed completely from Monday 13th August.

The Canal and River Trust says that it has reluctantly taken these decisions due to the low levels of the reservoirs because of prolonged low rainfall and with the forecast for further dry weather.

The Canal and River Trust says that it is not known how long these closures will last for but that it's likely to be until the end of August and potentially beyond if there is no significant, sustained rainfall. The towpath will remain open.

These restrictions follow a difficult time for boaters on these canals with long stoppages on the Marple flight, a recent stoppage because of a leak at Bollington and several stoppages at Bosley Locks. Some boaters may have difficulty returning to their home moorings before the closure at Bosley.

[Gareth E]

The closure of Bugsworth is baffling. There are no locks leading to it so unless there's a massive water leak, and they plan to plank it off and allow it to drain, how can even a drop of water be saved by this move?

 

Anyone? 

[Machpoint005]

6 minutes ago, Gareth E said:

unless there's a massive water leak

Do you know that there isn't?

Closing Bugsworth will, of itself, reduce traffic on the Macc and PFC.

[MartinClark]

I must have missed the stoppage notice which said that Marple Lock 11 has been closed again. I only came through it on Thursday.

[Gareth E]

4 minutes ago, Machpoint005 said:

Do you know that there isn't?

Closing Bugsworth will, of itself, reduce traffic on the Macc and PFC.

Bearing in mind that those not on these canals by 13 August won't be able to access them because both set of locks to access them will be closed, how will this save any water?  

[magpie patrick]

Historically Bugsworth has leaked like a sieve - I think they got it to a less sieve like level to allow it to reopen following years of restoration, but it still leaks - I guess they feel they can't sustain the losses at the moment