Stranded canal boats soon to be freed

British Waterways announces that canal section containing over 90 stranded boats is due to reopen tomorrow (Wednesday)

A TEN mile stretch of the Kennet and Avon Canal which has been closed since November is soon due to reopen.

All of the locks between Crofton Lock 61 near Wilton, Wiltshire, and Copse Lock 80 between Kintbury and Newbury, were padlocked on November 17 after a water shortage.

British Waterways, which maintains and cares for the Kennet and Avon Canal, has said it is allowing levels in individual canal pounds to recover but rainfall is needed for this to take place.

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 has been extremely low - hitting its lowest level in 90 years.

More than 90 boats have been stranded within the ten mile stretch since mid-November but British Waterways has now announced that the section should be reopened on January 4.

In a statement issued by British Waterways, the organisation said: “The ongoing water-related closure of the canal from Crofton to Copse Lock will be reviewed in January with a view to re-opening the canal in the sections between planned stoppages.

“Thank you for your continued support of the Kennet and Avon Waterways.”

Notices have been left for boaters at the canal, which state: “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.”

British Waterways added that essential work on the Crofton Flight, which includes locks 55 to 60, west of great Bedwyn, has now been completed.

Repairs to Beech Grove lock and Hungerford Marsh Lock are due to commence on January 9.