Stoppages

To all of us with boats, and hopefully those without, we have been aware of the lack of rain, very low river levels, low reservoirs and impending doom of starting the year with very low water levels. There simply isn't enough water. British Waterways, towards the end of last year, put some restrictions on the locks and they have done it again this year - at the beginning of the season. BW email me, but PJ sent this.

Issued today:

Oxford Canal Marston Doles Lock 15 - Claydon Lock 21

19 Mar 2012 until further notice

From Monday 19th March Marston Doles Lock 15 - Claydon Lock 21 will be open from 10.00am - 2.00pm daily.

Last entry at Marston Doles 1.45pm
Last entry at Claydon 1.00pm

Grand Union Canal Braunston Lock Flight 1-6

Monday 19 March 2012 until further notice From Monday 19th March Braunston Flight will be open 9.00am - 4.00pm daily.

Last entry to flight 2.30pm.

Grand Union Canal Calcutt Locks 1-3

Monday 19 March 2012 until further notice From Monday 19th March Calcutt Locks 1-3 will be open 9.00am - 4.00pm daily.

Last entry into flight 3.30pm

North Oxford Canal Hillmorton Locks 2-7

19 Mar 2012 until further notice

From Monday 19th March 2012 Hillmorton Flight will be locked overnight from 5.00pm - 9.00am.

Grand Union Canal Buckby Lock Flight 7-13

19 Mar 2012 until further notice

From Monday 19th March Buckby Flight will be open 10.00am - 3.00pm daily.

Last entry for through traffic 1.30pm

Grand Union Canal Stoke Bruerne Locks 16 - 20

19 Mar 2012 until further notice

From Monday 19th March 2012 the Flight will be open from 10.00am - 3.00pm daily.

The last entry into the Flight will be 2.00pm.

Summer cruising on the canals doesn't look good. For private boaters it is enough of a problem but what about those who rely on the waterways for the food on their table - the traders and the hire boaters? Get your rain sticks out folks!