Lancaster Canal may have to temporarily close due to low water levels

Lancaster Canal may have to close temporarily due to the persistent dry weather affecting water levels.

The Canal and River Trust (CRT), the organisation looking after the canal, has advised boaters to be prepared in case the canal has to shut "in the relative near future".

The notice covers the section from Bridge 11 (Roebuck Street Bridge) at Preston to Bridge 177 (Sedgwick Hill Bridge) near Kendal, which covers most of the canal.

Navigation on this section of the canal has been restricted since July 9.

"Over the last week we have been completing repairs to known leaks and undertaking further investigations of the canal around Tewitfield where we believe that we are losing water," said a statement from the trust, published on its website on July 23.

"This is all being compounded by the persistent dry weather meaning that many inflows to the canal have dried up.

"Unfortunately, despite these efforts we have not yet been able increase water levels.

"We understand how this is impacting our boating customers. We want to assure you that we are looking at all avenues to increase water levels in the canal and are seeking emergency abstraction consent, alongside our continue efforts for repairs.

"We are continually monitoring the situation and will review again on Monday 27 July when the impact of any rain this weekend which is forecast will be evident, and we can provide a further update."

The trust advised boaters, over the past weekend, to "prepare for the possibility that the canal may need to close in the relative near future".

"This includes: Emptying waste tanks, filling up water and fuel tanks, stocking up on essential supplies, considering relocating your boat to areas with services or returning to your moorings.

"Our services are located at: Cadley (Bridge 12): Waterpoint, Elsan and refuse disposal, Bilsborrow (Bridge 44-Bridge 45): Waterpoint, Elsan and refuse disposal, Moss Lane (Bridge 63) Waterpoint, Elsan and refuse disposal, Tewitfield (Bridge 138): Waterpoint, Elsan, Pump Out and refuse disposal.

"If you are stuck and unable to move, require assistance or have any specific needs you should contact our North West Customer Support Team on 0303 040 4040.

"A further update will be provided on Monday July 27."

The Lancaster Canal Boaters Association said they are "advising boaters not to panic, but to prepare now while movement is still possible".

"The Canal & River Trust has warned that continued low water levels around Tewitfield may lead to a temporary closure of the Lancaster Canal to navigation," said a statement from the association.

"This would not be a permanent closure. Any restriction would be introduced as a short-term measure to protect the canal, conserve water and prevent boats from becoming stranded while water levels remain unusually low.

"Despite repairs to known leaks and further investigations, water levels have not yet improved. Persistent dry weather has also reduced many of the natural inflows that help supply the canal.

"The Canal & River Trust is seeking emergency abstraction consent and will review the situation again on Monday July 27, after assessing the impact of any weekend rainfall.

"Boaters are advised to:

• Empty toilet and waste tanks.
• Fill drinking-water and fuel tanks.
• Stock up on food, medication and other essential supplies.
• Charge batteries and check alternative power arrangements.
• Consider moving closer to services or returning to a permanent mooring.
• Avoid unnecessary journeys or activities that could contribute to further water loss.
• Keep ropes, mooring pins and boarding points secure as water levels change.
• Check CRT notices regularly and avoid attempting to navigate any section that has been formally closed.

"The boating community is often at its strongest when people quietly look out for one another. Boaters can help by checking on neighbouring boats, particularly where someone is elderly, disabled, isolated, unwell or may not have received CRT’s notice.

"Where it is safe and practical, boaters could:

• Share information about closures, water levels and available facilities.
• Offer lifts to shops, pharmacies, fuel suppliers or public transport.
• Collect essential supplies for someone who cannot easily leave their boat.
• Help move water, fuel or shopping along the towpath.
• Assist with ropes and mooring adjustments as water levels change.
• Share phone charging or other basic facilities where appropriate.
• Report boats that appear to be grounded, listing dangerously or in immediate difficulty.
• Keep towpaths, waterpoints and service areas clear for those who need access.

"Nobody should attempt to move another person’s boat, handle fuel or undertake physical work unless they are confident that they can do so safely and have the owner’s permission. Where possible to do go into an unknown boat alone and make sure someone knows where you are at all times.

"People living near the canal can also play an important role. A temporary navigation closure may leave some boaters further away from shops, waterpoints, transport links and other essential services than usual.

"Local residents, businesses and community organisations can help by:

• Offering lifts or transport to shops, pharmacies and medical appointments.
• Collecting shopping, drinking water, medication or other essential supplies.
• Allowing boaters to charge a phone in an emergency.
• Sharing accurate CRT and LCBA updates through community groups.
• Keeping access roads, towpaths and service points clear.
• Reporting serious concerns about a person’s welfare rather than assuming somebody else will help.
• Treating boaters with patience and understanding, remembering that a boat is someone’s home, not simply a leisure craft.

"Anyone offering assistance should respect people’s privacy and ask what help is needed rather than making assumptions."

More details can be found on the websites of the Canal and Rivers Trust, and the Lancaster Canal Boaters Association.