canal closures

Historic Tooley’s Boatyard Fights for Survival as Oxford Canal Closure Threatens Livelihoods

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Mark Lancaster

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October 27, 2026

After another year of disrupted access to its historic dry dock in Banbury, Tooley’s Boatyard is appealing for funds to begin restoring the wooden narrowboat Hardy. The £29,000 restoration appeal could also help sustain traditional boatbuilding skills while canal closures prevent customers reaching the yard. Tooley’s Boatyard is launching a £29,000 appeal to begin restoring…
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‘Boaters deserve better – it’s time to act’

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Web Editor

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September 26, 2026

NABO general secretary Peter Braybrook comments on some more topical issues. I CONFESS: I am not a boater any more. I am still a boat owner, but this year our boat has only moved to turn it round to wash the other side. We planned to cruise the Kennet & Avon this summer as we…
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Drought forces canal network into emergency mode

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Web Editor

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August 27, 2026

AS large swathes of England and all of Wales were declared in drought following weeks of exceptionally dry weather, the Canal & River Trust activated its highest level of operational response to keep boaters moving as much as possible. THE combination of very low rainfall and higher temperatures has seen reservoir levels, river levels and…
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Grounding advice from RCR

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Web Editor

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August 22, 2026

As numerous canals continue to suffer low water levels, breakdown and assistance firm, River Canal Rescue, is receiving daily calls from boaters with fouled props and damage to rudders and skegs, plus associated damage to drive systems, impacting engine mounts with ‘legs’ failures, and gearbox coupling/drive plates. RCR managing director, Stephanie Horton says many calls…
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Canal & River Trust temporarily suspends 14-day movement to help conserve water during drought

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Mark Lancaster

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August 7, 2026

Canal & River Trust has temporarily suspended the requirement for boats without a home mooring to move at least every 14 days as part of efforts to conserve water during the current drought. The temporary measure, which comes into force with immediate effect, has been introduced to help reduce demand on the network and avoid…
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BREACH at Whitchurch on the Llangollen Canal: what we know so far

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Web Editor

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December 23, 2025

A major embankment failure on the Llangollen Canal at Whitchurch has led to the closure of a key section of the waterway while emergency services and engineers assess the damage and plan repairs. The incident occurred in the early hours of Monday 22 December 2025, close to New Mills Lift Bridge, and resulted in a…
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CANAL UNDERINVESTMENT highlighted by canal closure

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Web Editor

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December 20, 2025

AFTER a navigation closure notice restricted access to the Macclesfield and Peak Forest canals in August, local MP Lisa Smart is now in talks with the Canal & River Trust to explore how similar closures can be avoided in future. The MP for Hazel Grove has already raised concerns in a dedicated Westminster debate, highlighting…
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canal closures

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