This page contains short archive news items about the Leeds and Liverpool Canal. Longer items are on separate pages of their own. See the Home Page for links to other recent news items or the Archived Features Page for links to other archived items.

30th October 2007

Hirst Swing Bridge, between Shipley and Bingley, has been replaced with a new swing bridge.

The bridge has been troublesome for a while and caused problems earlier in the year when it jammed in the closed position. The pintle beam of the bridge had collapsed, making it inoperable by boaters.

A large crane was brought onto the site to lift the new £240,000 replacement bridge into place.

During the period when the bridge was out of use, British Waterways had to create an alternative route for offside businesses and residential properties across the adjacent playing fields of Saltaire Sports Association , so that the bridge could be left in the open position to allow navigation to continue.

The bridge should be operable by the end of October so that residents and visitors to the garden centre can resume their normal route across the bridge.

Photo: Courtesy of BW. Crane lifting new bridge into position.

25th October 2007

Bingley Three Rise Locks, half a mile down the Leeds and Liverpool Canal from the famous Bingley Five Rise locks, is to have replacement gates fitted in the next few weeks.

On 5th November a team from British Waterways will to start to remove the oak gates with a crane. The new sets of gates, manufactured at British Waterways' own workshop in Stanley Ferry, will be installed by Christmas as part of the organisation's annual winter maintenance programme. During the repair work, there will be towpath restrictions and the canal will be closed to boating traffic between 5th November and 15th December.

The Three Rise Lock staircase was built in 1773 and is a Grade II* listed structure. It has particularly large gates, the heaviest weighing 5.5 tonnes. The staircase has three lock chambers and four pairs of gates.

Laurence Morgan of British Waterways said: "This operation involves draining the locks first, and getting a sufficiently strong crane on site to lift the worn gates out and replace them with the new ones. This is a very complicated and delicate operation as we need to make sure the crane doesn't damage the infrastructure of the canal or the towpath. On average lock gates last 25 years but it does depend on the wear and tear and the Leeds and Liverpool Canal is one of our busiest waterways."

10th October 2007

The troublesome Hirst Swing Bridge, between Shipley and Bingley, is to be replaced with a new bridge.

The bridge caused problems earlier in the year when it jammed in the closed position. The pintle beam of the bridge had collapsed, making it inoperable by boaters.

British Waterways had to create an alternative route for offside businesses and residential properties across the adjacent playing fields of Saltaire Sports Association , so that the bridge could be left in the open position to allow navigation to continue.

Work to begin installing the £240,000 replacement bridge begins on Monday 15th October.

British Waterways kept in contact with the residents and businesses affected. It was originally expected that the bridge would be open by August but delays meant that the installation is only now taking place.

September 26th 2007

Engineering work has now started to refurbish Upper Foulridge Reservoir, near Colne.

The reservoir, built in 1866, is close to Foulridge Tunnel and feeds the summit level of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal.

The work is expected to last four months and includes the replacement of valves, pipework, repairs to the embankment and sealing of leakage to spillway. The pedestrian access bridge to the valve tower will also be replaced.

Morrison Construction is carrying out the £1.3m work for British Waterways.

In addition to the refurbishment, works is also being carried out to improve safety and operation. Public access to the reservoir will be closed during the construction work.

John Ackroyd, BW's Senior Project Manager, said that the works will ensure that the reservoir can operate efficiently and safely for the next 100 years.

September 24th 2007, updated September 26th

An emergency stoppage is needed at Lock 61 at Johnson's Hillock on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal (between Chorley and Wheelton).

The stoppage is needed to carry out repair works to the head gate cill.

Works to repair the damaged cill have already started and navigation is due to be reopened by 5.00 pm on Wednesday 26th September.

The lock flight will be locked up during the work. Boaters are advised to moor up. Alternatively, winding points are between Bridges 79 and 80 or at Riley Green (Bridge 91a).

A second stoppage has been announced for the canal between Parbold and Appley Bridge (west of Wigan).

A tree has fallen in high winds, blocking the navigation and towpath between Bridges 40 and 41.

BW estimates that the blockage will be cleared and the canal reopened by 5.00 pm on Wednesday 26th September.

Anyone requiring further information should call BW on 01942 405700.

Update: The tree has been removed and the Lock 61 cill repair completed. The canal has now re-opened at both locations.

June 8th 2007

A flotilla of boats will be braving the tidal Mersey for the last time to reach the historic South Docks in Liverpool.

As part of the celebration of Liverpool's 800th birthday, a large number of boats old and new have made their way along the Leeds and Liverpool Canal to the terminus at Eldonian Village. Many of them will continue down the Stanley Dock branch to Collingwood Dock. From there, the flotilla will proceed through the North Docks to Langton Lock and out onto the Mersey estuary.

The boats will then cruise up the river, past Liverpool's famous waterfront, to enter the South Docks at Canning Dock, for the "Coal and Cotton" canal boat rally.

The boats will moor at Salthouse Dock, adjacent to Albert Dock, for a week before returning via the reverse of the above route.

A large number of boats have booked for this event as it is the last time that this escorted passage will be available - next year the Canal Link will open, so boats will be able to reach the South Docks without going out onto the Mersey. It is also the last year when canal boats crossing to Eastham will use Langton Lock, as they will use the southern dock entrance once the Canal Link is open.

The passage is fully booked, and a number of boats will remain at Eldonian Village.

Right: Assembled boats at Eldonian Village, Liverpool; passing the famous Liverpool waterfront.

June 8th 2007

BW has announced an emergency stoppage between Locks 87 and 88 in Wigan.

The offside ground paddle on Lock 88, Pagefield Lock, has been damaged. Emergency repairs started today.

The pound between Locks 87 and 88 has suffered from rapid water loss and is not navigable. This is the pound that passes Wigan Pier.

Boaters wishing to travel westwards are being asked to moor up by the Waterway Office between Locks 86 and 87.

This does not effect boaters travelling between the Leigh Branch and the main Wigan lock flight.

An update notice will be issued once it is known how long the work will take.

Update (June 10th, 10.30 am): The canal has now now re-opened.

 

June 7th 2007

The historic boat "Maria" has now reached Liverpool. She had been horse drawn from Manchester to co-incide with the World Canals Conference. See below for more details.

It is hoped that the return journey from Liverpool to Ashton under Lyne will start on or around June 18th.

Right: Crossing the changeline bridge at Stanley Road, Bootle.

Below: Passing the old warehouses at Bank Hall; Approaching Eldonian Village.

More photos of the journey in the Horseboating Society website "Gallery" section.

June 4th 2007

The historic boat "Maria" is being horse drawn to Liverpool to co-incide with the World Canals Conference.

The journey from near Ashton under Lyne has been done in stages. "Maria" has been towed by Queenie and crewed by members of the Horseboating Society.

The boat will travel the short distance from Lydiate to Aintree on June 5th and the rest of the way through Litherland and Bootle to Eldonian Village on June 6th.

This is thought to be the first time in over 40 years that a horsedrawn boat has travelled on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal through West Lancashire. "Maria", built in 1854, is believed to be the oldest survivng wooden narrowboat.

It is hoped that the return journey from Liverpool to Ashton under Lyne will start on or around June 18th.

Right: Lifting the line over a moored boat near Lydiate on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal.

More photos of the journey in the Horseboating Society website "Gallery" section.

18th March 2007

Hirst Swing Bridge, between Shipley and Bingley, has jammed in the closed position. The pintle beam of the bridge has collapsed, making it inoperable by boaters.

British Waterways is currently exploring alternative routes for offside businesses and residential properties via adjacent playing fields, so that the bridge can be swung free to allow the canal to re-open for boating traffic.

In the meantime, it is planned that British Waterways staff will be at the bridge between 11.00 am and 1.00 pm each day until further notice, to enable boats to navigate through the bridge hole. Please phone the number below to confirm this before setting out.

For the latest information on this and other stoppages in the Yorkshire area, boaters can phone 0113 281 6860.

30th December 2006

One of Britain's best-known lock-keepers has been acknowledged in the New Year's Honours List for 2007.

Barry Whitelock, keeper for more than 20 years of the famous Bingley 5-Rise Locks, on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, is to receive an M.B.E.

Barry grew up nearby and, although he started work on a farm, he had always wanted to be the lock keeper of the 5-rise lock staircase. In March 1978, he started working for British Waterways as a lock keeper at various locations until his dream job at Bingley became available. He applied for the job successfully and has been there ever since, with responsibility for the 5-rise locks and the nearby 3-rise flight.

The staircase locks can be a daunting experience for boaters, with potential hazards such as gate paddles that release water in a way that could swamp boats. Barry is renowned for his constant alertness and for the friendly manner in which he directs boaters to operate the paddle gear and gates safely.

Laurence Morgan, general manager for British Waterways Yorkshire, said: "I am very proud to count Barry as a loyal employee who is a credit to the organisation. He is a very valuable member of the team and his safe but direct style of operating his flight has become well known by staff and customers alike over the years. Customers appreciate the way they are treated by Barry as the many letters to this effect on his personnel file bear out, and he deserves to be recognised by this prestigious honour."

Barry, who owned his own narrowboat for a number of years, has been nominated as Lock-keeper of the Year many times and received the Douglas Wooler Golden Windlass Award for service and friendship to boaters.

September 30th 2006

An emergency stoppage has been announced for the Leeds and Liverpool Canal at Lock 87, the bottom lock on the Wigan flight, just above Wigan Pier.

The temporary closure is to de-water the lock in order to carry out investigations and necessary emergency repairs to a damaged top cill in order to maintain water levels.

The lock will be closed from Wednesday 4th to Thursday 5th October 2006.

Visitor moorings are available above Lock 86 at Chapel Lane and at Wigan Pier below lock 87. This should not affect boaters travelling between the upper locks of the Wigan flight and the Leigh Branch.

Right: Lock 87 on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal.

September 19th 2006

An emergency stoppage has been announced for the Leeds and Liverpool Canal at Forge 3-rise Locks, between Newlay and Kirkstall, near Leeds.

The temporary closure is to enable emergency repairs to the bottom, offside lock gate of the middle lock (Lock 9) to ensure continued safe operation. Strengthening works to the heel post and balance beam will also take place.

The locks will be closed from Thursday 21st to Saturday 23rd September 2006.

This means that the Leeds and Liverpool Canal will be closed between Leeds and Newlay until works are complete.

Right: Forge Locks on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal.

August 21st 2006

Leeds and Liverpool Canal - Lock 46 at Barrowford. The lock will be de-watered to investigate damage to the tailgates and carry out necessary emergency repairs. The Barrowford lock flight will be closed to passage whilst these works are being carried out. Begins 8.30 am 22nd August until 1.00 pm 22nd August.
Update 22.8.06: The stoppage will now be extended to last all day.
Update 23.8.06: Lock repaired and Barrowford flight now re-opened.

August 16th 2006

A new bridge is to be constructed next to Henhurst Lock (no. 86) on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal in Wigan.

As part of this work a new by-wash pipe for the lock is being installed.

This means that, for health and safety reasons, there will be times when access to the lock side to operate the lock will not be available.

A temporary lock keeper will be on hand to assist boats through the lock during these times. Boaters are required to moor up and notify the temporary lock keeper of their presence and await further instructions. BW offered apologies for any inconvenience this may cause.

Right: Henhurst Lock on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal in Wigan.

18th July 2006

Yet another act of vandalism resulted in the closure of one of the region's canals.

This time the stoppage was on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal at Dobson 2-rise Locks at Apperley Bridge, 9 miles west of Leeds. The locks were expected to be closed for one week, but luckily have now re-opened after 5 days.

Dobson Locks are overlooked by cottages and are on the doorstep of BW's Apperley Bridge office and maintenance yard.

There have been previous problems with vandalism on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal out of Leeds but it has normally been restricted to the area between Leeds and Newlay Locks.

There has been a spate of vandalism on canals in the Pennine area recently, mostly consisting of pounds being emptied.

For the latest information on any stoppages in the Yorkshire area, boaters can phone 01977 554351.

November 2005

The Leeds and Liverpool Canal will be closed between November 2005 and March 2006 at Dowley Gap, south-east of Bingley.

On November 14th, major repair work began on the Dowley Gap Aqueduct across the River Aire - a Grade 2 listed structure. The canal and towpath are closed. The alternative route for pedestrians is alongside the River Aire. The footpath adjacent to the aqueduct will also be closed.

British Waterways maintenance staff and contractors will be strengthening the structure, lining the channel, carrying out urgent repairs and removing overgrown vegetation to improve and safeguard the aqueduct for the future. The work will prevent water escaping through leaks in the canal bed that have been causing damage to the structure's stonework. The work will also address the movement and bulging of the aqueduct's spandrel walls as well as circumferential cracks and deep open joints in the masonry which have opened up on each span.

Because of the isolated location of the aqueduct, access to the site is difficult. Where possible materials will be delivered by water. In order to prevent future deterioration of the structure vegetation around the aqueduct will be cleared. This is necessary to prevent seeds being dropped onto the aqueduct and the risks of root growth undermining its foundations.

This is part of a programme by BW to repair 80 "at risk" listed properties in their ownership by 2008.

Laurence Morgan , BW's Yorkshire manager, said: "This is part of a backlog of work we need to carry out during our winter maintenance programme both to preserve this important historical structure and so that the canal can remain open. We are working with Bradford Council to put up diversionary signs while work is being carried out and we hope that people will bear with us while we carry out the work which we are aiming to complete by February."

Fish and crayfish were rescued from the canal before it was drained. The scheme includes the conservation of protected bats. BW's bat specialist has identified bat roosts in the arch soffits and will ensure these are protected throughout the works. Janet Baverstock of British Waterways, Yorkshire, said: "We give special consideration to the canal's unique environment and wildlife. It is important to ensure that rare and protected species that live in or beside the waterway remain undisturbed or, if necessary, they are removed safely to temporary homes.

The work will cost around £650,000. The canal at Dowley Gap is due to re-open by 31st March 2006.

April 2004

A British Waterways' lock team working the Wigan flight has been voted the best in the country by the organisation that represents professional boaters.

The Association of Pleasure Craft Operators (APCO), which run hotel boats, has made the award for the team's 'outstanding service throughout the preceding year'.

Three full-time operatives, supported by an additional three-man relief, assist customers travelling up and down the 21-lock flight between Wigan Pier and New Springs.

"The restored route is now an attraction that is enjoyed by walkers, boaters and many other diverse groups."

It's the first time that the Lock Keeper of the Year award, which has been bestowed for nearly ten years, has been made in the North West.

Robin Smithett, APCO chairman, said that the team should be justly proud of the recognition, as his members are some of the most widely travelled boaters on the system.

"We received nominations for a large number of waterways but overall it was the Wigan team that were the clear winners.

"Quotes we received included 'they're always helpful and efficient', 'they perform their duties with humour, and make sure boaters have an enjoyable experience on the flight' and 'they make a hard task navigating a very long flight of locks much easier'."

The lock flight at Wigan is a mile and a half long, climbing 167 feet.

The full time team are: Charlie Wilcox, Pat Keane and Paul Abram. The relief team are Steve Priestley, Eddie Peet and Mike Green.

(Photo courtesy of British Waterways)

September 8th 2003

The Leeds and Liverpool Canal has now re-opened after a huge breach had closed it near Parbold to the west of Wigan.

The breach occurred on 20th July 2003 at Newburgh, near Parbold. Millions of gallons of water drained away from the 27 mile long pound between Appley Bridge and Liverpool, washing away part of the Wigan to Southport railway near Hoscar Moss. Boaters miles away noticed the level dropping and the area containing the breach was sealed off with temporary bungs.

The Rufford Arm, leads down to the River Douglas a couple of miles west of the breach, was closed for some time. A two mile stretch of the main canal line remained closed until early September while emergency repairs were made.

The closure cut off Liverpool and the Ribble Link from the rest of the canal system. British Waterways asked boaters proposing to travel through the area to alter their plans. They made arrangements for those trapped on the wrong side of the closure and needing to return to their home moorings to have their vessels craned around the closure.

Craning operations took place on the first four Fridays in August. Boats trapped at the western end of the canal were craned out at Moss Bridge (No. 35) and back in at White Bear Marina, Adlington. Boats returning from the Lancaster Canal via the Ribble Link were craned out at Harry Mayor's boat yard, Tarleton and back in at White Bear Marina.

Boats needing to return to the western end of the canal or the Lancaster Canal were craned out at White Bear Marina and taken to Moss Bridge or Tarleton, respectively.

The canal is now fully open again. Boaters intending to use the Ribble Link should contact Galgate office on 01524 752888 as usual to arrange passage.

The webmaster of this site returned from a cruise along the Lancaster Canal and the Leeds and Liverpool Canal in July. He and his companions were lucky enough to pass through the affected area a few days before the breach occurred!

Photos 1 - 5: Ken Fairhurst. Click here to see more photos.
Photo 6: Narrowboat World.

3. The escaped water has formed a lake.	4. Stop planks form part of a dam under a swing bridge.
5. Creating a dam next to a bridge.	6. Work on plugging the breach nears completion.