Canal locks closed off

Water levels have reached lowest in 90 years leaving boaters unable to pass through a stretch of canal

A SECTION of the Kennet and Avon Canal has been closed due to a lack of adequate water supplies to support boat movement.

All of the locks between Crofton Lock 61 near Wilton, Wiltshire, and Copse Lock 80 between Kintbury and Newbury, have been padlocked for the past two days and will remain closed until further notice.

British Waterways has said it is allowing levels in individual canal pounds to recover slowly.

Several sections are said to be very low and will take some time to come back to normal level. The long term problem has occurred because the ground water level is extremely low - currently at its lowest level in 90 years.

A notice from British Waterways states: “The reservoir level is also very low and currently has little or no feed to recharge the system. The current stoppage is necessary to recover levels and help protect aquatic life in the canal.

“British Waterways is currently looking to support the closed section with additional water supply from other sources.

“The current closure is being reviewed weekly, and with little or no significant rain forecast the current closure may remain in force for some weeks.

“Craft that are trapped within the closed section are requested to remain where they are, but to adjust mooring ropes to accommodate changes in water levels.

“Any request for craft movement will be dealt with on an individual basis and will be subject to available water supplies, canal water levels and individual circumstances.”

The organisation apologized for any inconvenience.

If you are a boater who has been affected by the closure, please contact the newsdesk on (01635) 564539 or email newsdesk@newburynews.co.uk