News

Water resource update: canals staying open for boating

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Web Editor

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November 1, 2022

Following the temporary reopening of canals over the October half term, Canal & River Trust are pleased to announce that the canals below are now open for boating until further notice (excluding any planned winter works). Additionally, the restrictions on the Grand Union and Oxford canals at Watford, Foxton and Braunston are being lifted from…
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Cotswold Canals Connected holds ground-breaking event

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October 31, 2022

MORE than 100 people attended an open day hosted by Cotswold Canals Connected at a section of the ‘missing mile’ currently being excavated by Archaeology England. There were three stalls at the event, organised for members of the public to learn about the history of the site, examine finds, and look at plans for the…
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Preparing the ground for funding bids

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Janet Richardson

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October 29, 2022

MEMBERS of about 25 canal societies and trusts converged on the Chesterfield Canal on Sunday, October 9 for the autumn meeting of the Northern Canals Association at the Hollingwood Hub. They were welcomed by chairman Ivan Cane to the 80th held since the first meeting in Huddersfield in 1991. He asked that if anyone has…
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Anderton boat lift to reopen March 2023 after £450K repairs

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October 28, 2022

The world’s first boat lift, Anderton Boat Lift, near Northwich, will reopen to boats in spring after a major £450,000 repair package this winter, the Canal & River Trust has confirmed. The waterways and wellbeing charity, which operates the Victorian Scheduled Monument alongside caring for its 2,000-mile network of canals and rivers, will start emergency…
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Vegetation and dredging are major issues

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Phil Pickin

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October 27, 2022

THE issues of uncut vegetation and what was seen as a lack of dredging in the West Midlands were just a couple of the standout issues raised during the recent Canal & River Trust regional users’ forum meeting. Many users attended the meeting hosted by the Birmingham Canal Navigations Society in the Titford Pump House.…
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Kennet & Avon Canal Crofton Pumping Station works to be completed this winter

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October 26, 2022

The Canal & River Trust’s project to replace the pumping system at Crofton, that keeps the summit of the Kennet & Avon Canal topped-up with water for boats, towpath users and wildlife, will be completed this winter. The works, near Great Bedwyn in Wiltshire, started last month and will continue through to March 2023. Costing…
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Levelling up! Freight developments on the waterways

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Web Editor

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October 25, 2022

Jonathan Mosse continues his monthly look at freight developments on the inland waterways. I’M BOTH intrigued that Boris has unwittingly stolen my thunder and dismayed in equal measure that he might, by association, have devalued my message. But, on balance, I feel there’s nothing for it but to press on! We’ve recently viewed the burgeoning…
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IWA petitions against HS2 bill

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October 24, 2022

THE HS2 (Crewe– Manchester) Bill received a second reading on June 20 and was referred to an HS2 Select Committee to hear petitions from those directly and specially affected. This bill for Phase 2b West affects the Middlewich Branch of the Shropshire Union Canal, the Trent & Mersey Canal, and the Ashton and Rochdale canals…
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River Thames winter stoppages

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October 22, 2022

THE Environment Agency is investing £9 million as part of its annual programme of essential works along the non-tidal River Thames. It is needed to replace or keep maintained 45 locks, their associated structures and towpath bridges, in reliable condition for the continued safe enjoyment of boaters and all visitors. The following locks will be…
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Canal towpath closed as improvements begin

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October 20, 2022

Works will give local people a clean, green route to feeling happier and healthier The Canal & River Trust has started a project to revamp a section of canal towpath in Swarkestone making it easier for local people to feel the health and wellbeing benefits of spending time by the water. CRT, working in partnership…
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Aqueduct Marina’s pride in games involvement

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October 18, 2022

THE recent Commonwealth Games in Birmingham generated a considerable amount of pride in the athletic achievements of the competitors. The international contest was also a proud moment for Cheshire-based Aqueduct Marina, which supplied two boats to the Canal & River Trust just as the event began. Aquarius II, a new electric-powered 35ft boat replacing the…
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REOPENING OPPORTUNITIES PLANNED FOR NORTHERN DROUGHT-IMPACTED CANALS

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October 15, 2022

Following 2022’s drought, which forced the closure to navigation of several canals in the north of the country, the Canal & River Trust is planning ‘windows’ of canal reopening over the coming weeks. In most instances this will allow boating over the October half term and up to the start of winter stoppage works, whilst…
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Friends of Cromford Canal: Birdswood is stuck

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October 11, 2022

Birdswood, the trip boat of the Friends of Cromford Canal, the trading arm of the charity, based at Cromford, is at the time of writing (end of September), stuck at its mooring due to low water levels. All booked journeys for the next couple of weeks, at least, have had to be cancelled. In addition…
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Pets afloat! 🐶 😸For the love of dogs – and cats..

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Web Editor

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October 8, 2022

By Alison Wilkerson I LOVE craft fayres and markets, especially floating ones, where you discover a plethora of goods created on boats by their artistic, and sometimes famous, owners. At one such floating market which I had seen advertised by the Roving Canal Traders Association (RCTA) www.rcta.org.uk, on the Grand Union Canal in Milton Keynes,…
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