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Canal & River Trust prepares for further dry weather


Ray T

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CRT Press Release.

 

3 August 2018

 

Canal & River Trust prepares for further dry weather

 

The Canal & River Trust is putting measures in place to prepare for the possibility of further dry weather.

 

June was the third driest month since records began in 1910 and the hot dry weather continued into July with most parts of the country seeing below average rainfall. The thundery rainfall that some parts of the country saw in the final week of July has not significantly changed the situation. With forecasters uncertain on rainfall patterns over the coming weeks the Trust is taking precautionary steps now to manage the possible effects of continued dry weather.

 

From 13 August the Trust will be locking gates overnight at certain targeted locks on the Grand Union and Oxford canals to minimise wastage through paddles being left open. Locking up the gates at the end of the day will protect reservoir levels and enable backpumps to recirculate water ready for the following days boating.  

 

The Trust is also reminding boaters across the country about its water-saving THRIFT campaign. The campaign asks boaters to help conserve water by taking simple steps such as sharing locks, inviting oncoming boats through locks which are already set for them and, unless advised otherwise, making sure all gates and paddles are closed after use. Posters showing how boaters can help will be displayed in noticeboards and by locksides across the network.

 

David Baldacchino, head of operational support at the Canal & River Trust said: “It’s unclear how much longer the exceptionally hot and dry weather will continue so it’s sensible that we all take some simple steps to make best use of our water over the remainder of the summer.

 

“It’s quite possible that we may not see significant rainfall over the coming weeks and so we’re appealing to boaters to use water wisely and help us to protect the levels within our reservoirs.

 

“By adopting just a few simple common-sense steps - which many will already be doing - boaters can play a key role in helping us to manage the effects of the dry weather if, as looks likely, it continues through August.”

 

To date the exceptionally dry conditions have been felt most keenly on waterways in the North West with the Trust announcing temporary closures on parts of the Leeds & Liverpool, Rochdale,  Huddersfield Narrow, Peak Forest and Macclesfield canals. The temporary closures will prevent boaters from using certain locks although they can still make limited use of lock-free sections. The canals can still also be used by anglers and canoeists and the towpaths will remain open for people - visitors and the local community alike - to enjoy.

 

A downloadable copy of the Trust’s navigation maps along with water management FAQs and a monthly Reservoir Watch can be found at www.canalrivertrust.org.uk/specialist-teams/managing-our-water.

 

Details of the locks being closed overnight are below:

 

Canal

Locks(s)

Hours open

Leicester Line

Watford 1 to 7

8am to 6pm

[last entry on the flight 5.15pm]

Leicester Line

Foxton 8 to 17

8am to 6pm

[last entry on the flight 5.15pm]

Northampton Arm

1 to 17

9am to 6pm

[last entry on the flight 3.30pm]

North Oxford

Hillmorton 2 to 7

9am to 6.30pm [last entry on the flight 5pm]

South Oxford

Napton 8 to 13

 

8.30am to 6pm

[last entry on the flight 5pm]

South Oxford

Marston Doles 15 +16, and Adkins 14

9am to 6pm

[last entry on the flight 5pm]

South Oxford

Claydon 17 to 21

9am to 5pm
[last entry on the flight 4pm]

 

-ENDS-

 

For further media requests please contact the Canal & River Trust press office: 020 32044514

 

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1 hour ago, Halsey said:

Shows how little they know/ understand about real boaters 8-5 would make much more sense - all this ensures is lack of freedom and cues

 

 

That’s obviously “queues” - before someone else spots it 

 

also this isn’t preparation it’s reaction - preparation would be working on leaks over the winter stoppages period like the Kings lock etc pounds on the GU Leics 

 

Edited by Halsey
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1 hour ago, Halsey said:

Shows how little they know/ understand about real boaters 8-5 would make much more sense - all this ensures is lack of freedom and cues

 

 

Maybe its like the snooker table where you have to put your 'pound' on the cushion to secure your place in the cue queue.

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On 03/08/2018 at 15:53, Halsey said:

Shows how little they know/ understand about real boaters 8-5 would make much more sense

 

Why? When out and about we're regularly cruising after 6pm and usually don't moor up until 8 or 9pm or later. We rarely set off much before 10 as being on holiday like to enjoy a nice relaxed morning together, and if visiting an area will usually visit in the morning and not set off until mid afternoon. 

 

Restricted evening hours really affects our cruising plans. 

  • Greenie 1
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3 hours ago, Tom and Bex said:

Why? When out and about we're regularly cruising after 6pm and usually don't moor up until 8 or 9pm or later. We rarely set off much before 10 as being on holiday like to enjoy a nice relaxed morning together, and if visiting an area will usually visit in the morning and not set off until mid afternoon. 

 

Restricted evening hours really affects our cruising plans. 

Its nice that we are all different. We tend to move early and moor up by 1pm so we have the rest of the day free. Works even better in this hot weather. Glad we are all moving at differnt times.

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  • Happy 1
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3 minutes ago, Dr Bob said:

Its nice that we are all different. We tend to move early and moor up by 1pm so we have the rest of the day free. Works even better in this hot weather. Glad we are all moving at differnt times.

And, in some 'urban' areas if you don';t get a mooring by lunch time you don't get one - but at least you have several hours to 'keep going' to try and find someones breasts to tie up to

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Meanwhile, the Met Office is expecting above average temperatures and below average rainfall for the next three months: https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/binaries/content/assets/mohippo/pdf/public-sector/forecast-temp-aso-v2.pdf

 

Obviously, that’s only a likelihood and we should still expect periods of rain and cooler weather.

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