Low water levels causing canal network closures

Parts of the canal network face water strain, says the Canal and River Trust

Increasing numbers of canals in the West Midlands are closing, due to a lack of water.

The Canal and River Trust has warned that dry conditions were causing problems at a number of locks, including Wolverhampton lock flight.

It will close from Wednesday 30 July until there is sufficient rainfall to replenish reservoirs, said the trust.

The measure was necessary to help protect vital water resources on the Wolverhampton level, which supports several other parts of the Birmingham Canal navigations, it said.

"Whilst the majority of the network is open and fully navigable, there are currently restrictions in place on certain canals," the trust said.

Other areas affected in the region include:

• Birmingham and Fazeley Canal - Minworth lock is closed

• Coventry Canal - Atherstone top lock to lock 6 has restricted passage

• Rushall Canal lock is closed

• Walsall Canal - Ryders Green lock has restricted passage

• Caldon Canal in Staffordshire - Cheddleton top lock to bottom lock is closed

Volunteer lock-keepers have been helping to manage boat traffic at lock flights "to ensure water supplies are used as sparingly as possible," said national boating manager Alex Hennessey.

"Water levels are being reviewed on a daily basis and we will remove, or introduce, water-saving measures as necessary," he added.