Narrowboat homes 'at risk' from low water levels

"We can't take our boat out and we're running out of water," says Marcus Brown

About 50 narrowboat owners fear becoming homeless as falling water levels put their vessels at risk.

Some at Islington Marina in Manchester said they were worried their floating homes could become damaged by the rugged base of the canal, or even keel over.

Marina operator Waterpride Estates said it was "sympathetic" to its tenants' plight but said it was "at the mercy" of the Canal and River Trust (CRT), which maintains the Rochdale Canal and other waterways.

A CRT spokesman said canal locks into Manchester have "temporarily been closed to navigation" to save water after recent dry weather.

Despite some recent heavy rain, it is believed it could take several months' worth of rain to get water levels back to what they were.

Martin Garside told BBC North West Tonight: "I work hard, but I wouldn't have the funds to revive the boat if it tipped on its side.

"I feel a little bit helpless and scared. I'm nervous as it's my home, my money.

"It would affect my whole life, and I'm starting to feel angry."

Canal locks into Manchester have "temporarily been closed to navigation" to save water, says the Canal and River Trust

Marcus Brown, who has lived in the marina since 2018, said: "All we were asking for in a bit of engagement with the CRT.

"They're not responsible for us because we're in a private marina, but we pay the equivalent of council tax to them every year in licence fees to use the canal system.

"And most of us don't use the canal system unless we're taking our boat out for maintenance.

"Now we're in a situation where we can't take our boat out and we're running out of water."

A CRT spokesman said: "We want to get the canal back open and available for boats as soon as possible, but this will require significant rainfall to replenish water availability to sufficient levels."

The spokesman added there had been "some leakage" at a local lock gate, but it was considered to be "in good condition and... not scheduled for replacement".

Despite heavy rain this weekend, the Rochdale canal bed is dry near to the marina

A Waterpride Estates spokesman said the firm "pays a substantial fee to CRT for the water in the marina as well as the right to be connected to the canal system", adding: "Sadly, we are at the mercy of the CRT, as they are ultimately responsible for the water levels."

But, he said, the company "understood that water supply is scarce with loss of water occurring throughout the whole canal network".

The spokesman said the firm would work with the CRT and support tenants to find a solution.