inland waterways

  • Weed-choked waterways spark protest

    Weed-choked waterways spark protest

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    PROTESTERS in Lincoln have raised fresh concerns over the state of the Foss Dyke and River Witham, claiming the waterways are now “choked” with thick, fast-growing weed. Boaters and anglers gathered at Brayford Pool, saying they pay significant licence fees yet see little maintenance in return. The protest was organised by members of the Burton…

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  • Fresh leak causes closure near Llangollen Canal breach site

    Fresh leak causes closure near Llangollen Canal breach site

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    A STRETCH of the Llangollen Canal in Whitchurch, Shropshire, has been temporarily closed after a new leak was discovered close to the site of last winter’s major canal collapse The closure, which began on September 14, just before this issue went to press, comes nine months after millions of litres of water were sent cascading…

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  • Southampton Boat Show welcomes more than 91,000 visitors

    Southampton Boat Show welcomes more than 91,000 visitors

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    More than 91,000 visitors attended this year’s Southampton International Boat Show, as the event brought ten days of boating, watersports and marine innovation to a close. The 57th Southampton International Boat Show ran at Mayflower Park from September 18-27, with organisers British Marine confirming a total attendance of 91,160. More than 500 boats and other…

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  • ‘Boaters deserve better – it’s time to act’

    ‘Boaters deserve better – it’s time to act’

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    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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  • Solar-powered electric widebeam sailaway heads to online auction

    Solar-powered electric widebeam sailaway heads to online auction

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    A new 2026-built 65ft x 12ft solar-powered electric widebeam sailaway is set to go under the hammer in an online auction ending at 2pm on Tuesday, October 6, 2026. Offered by order of the enforcement agent, the boat was built by Thames Solar Electric Ltd on an Aquarius Boats hull and has been designed with…

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  • New Thorne Lock mural celebrates local heritage and community memories

    New Thorne Lock mural celebrates local heritage and community memories

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    Visitors to Thorne Lock, on the Stainforth & Keadby Canal, can now enjoy a vibrant new mural celebrating the area thanks to the artistic talents of Canal & River Trust volunteers. IN just two months, a once overgrown and untidy area beside the lock keeper’s cabin has been transformed into an attractive space for visitors.…

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  • From oyster reefs to living seawalls – Inland and Coastal showcases the versatility of pontoons at SIBS 2026

    From oyster reefs to living seawalls – Inland and Coastal showcases the versatility of pontoons at SIBS 2026

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    Inland and Coastal is returning to the Southampton International Boat Show (SIBS) this year to highlight the extraordinary potential of the humble pontoon, proving that simple yet innovative adaptations can create ecological benefits that go beyond mooring a boat. Taking place from 18th to 27th September, Inland and Coastal will join The Yacht Harbour Association…

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  • Characters of the Cut: Where the water writes the story

    Characters of the Cut: Where the water writes the story

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    For writer Jenni Ratcliffe, water is in her blood, and her journey to finding herself living aboard Trentham, a 40ft 1975 cruiser stern narrowboat built by Stone Boat Builders, somewhat fated. Alice Elgie reports… “GROWING up, my parents called me and my sister to dinner by ringing a large brass bell that we were told…

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  • Deep-dive rescue reopens historic Bevere Lock

    Deep-dive rescue reopens historic Bevere Lock

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    BOATERS can once again navigate the River Severn between Stourport and Gloucester after vital repairs reopened Bevere Lock, near Worcester. An inspection discovered a faulty paddle on the 183-year-old lock that was preventing it from filling properly, impacting boaters travelling between Stourport and Gloucester. The fault, located below the waterline, required the assistance of specialist…

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  • Lightwell reveals hidden river at busy train station

    Lightwell reveals hidden river at busy train station

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    An installation at Sheffield Station is allowing passengers to experience a long-hidden stretch of the River Sheaf for the first time in more than a century. THE new River Sheaf Lightwell, unveiled on Platform Five, provides sight, sound and even the scent of the river as it flows beneath the station – a route it…

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  • Pontcysyllte safety squad targets mounting congestion

    Pontcysyllte safety squad targets mounting congestion

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    A safety team is being deployed at Pontcysyllte Aqueduct to manage busy-period traffic and ease congestion as growing numbers of paddle craft and narrowboats use the landmark. THE aqueduct safety team, with their visible onsite presence, add to existing measures, including CCTV and the introduction of vessel and operator identification requirements for commercial operators using…

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  • Work begins on Cotswold Canals’ Missing Mile

    Work begins on Cotswold Canals’ Missing Mile

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    CONSTRUCTION has begun on the Cotswold Canals’ Missing Mile after six years of planning. The scheme will reconnect the restored Stroudwater Navigation with the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal, edging the waterway closer to the national network. Volunteers are excavating 750 metres of canal east from John Robinson Lock towards the M5, with two locks, flood…

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  • Drought forces canal network into emergency mode

    Drought forces canal network into emergency mode

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    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

    Grounding advice from RCR

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    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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