The following is the text of a communication from British Waterways, Leeds Office this afternoon:- 

"Dear Customer As you are probably aware we are currently experiencing the worst drought since the 1920s

which has led to considerable challenges to many organisations in our region and for us, in particular, on the Leeds Liverpool Canal. We have been operating a restricted timetable of lock passage, which has helped us to prolong canal usage and maintain our reserve water stocks.

However, extremely warm weather and no significant rainfall in a number of months has led to a situation where our water stocks are running seriously low. We have taken into account a number of complicated and sometimes conflicting interests and have taken the very difficult decision to close navigation along a section of the Leeds Liverpool Canal.

It is intended that the canal will close on 2^nd August from Lock 30 (Gargrave) to Lock 85 (Bottom of Wigan Flight) and navigation will not be possible along that stretch of the canal.

This will allow us to protect the integrity of the canal and safeguard the aquatic habitat. We are monitoring the situation daily and will keep you informed of any significant changes as and when they occur"

Howard Anguish

Update:- Our General Secretary has been invited to a briefing at BW North West in Wigan on Wednesday 14th July and will report here following that in more detail.