Boaters stuck at Foxton Locks due to low water levels

Alan Bath said his boat was currently stuck at the site's bottom lock, due to the temporary closure of Foxton Locks

Boaters stuck at Foxton Locks due to low water levels fear it could be months before the site reopens.

The Canal and River Trust confirmed the Grade II-listed site, near Market Harborough in Leicestershire, was temporarily closed on 29 July and some boats are now stuck in the bottom lock.

The trust said the decision to temporarily shut the site, which lies within the 34-mile closed stretch of the Grand Union Canal, "had not been taken lightly".

Alan Bath and his partner, Cristina, are among those caught in the close and said they had noticed a visible drop in water levels.

"There's no more water coming into the system," said Mr Bath.

"We are short of food and cans of beer but we are making the best of it."

Steve Basington said the low water levels were having an effect on visitor footfall

The Canal and River Trust said the network was feeling the effects of one of the "driest springs on record".

Visitors are still welcome at Foxton Locks with businesses open and a summer programme of events still going ahead.

Steve Basington, 56, who works at the lock's local cafe, said he was already noticing a difference in footfall.

"Customers come to Foxton Locks to see the boats moving up and down and predominantly August is one of our busiest times of the year," said Mr Basington.

"We have noticed visitor levels have definitely fallen."

Nearby at Union Wharf, Charlie Yeoell hires out narrowboats.

Due to the closure, Mr Yeoell said he has had to move boats to moorings at the top of Foxton Locks at an extra cost so holidaymakers had a longer stretch of canal to enjoy.

"Generally the marina would be very busy this time of year," said Mr Yeoell.

"Boaters would come down and pay to use the mooring here and the facilities, so unfortunately that means there is a lack of income to us and the local area."

An aerial view of the locks, which attracts thousands of visitors every year

The closure is place from Watford Lock 1 to Kings Lock 38 with a review of the ongoing situation expected on 29 August, according to the trust.

Closing the locks will allow adequate water levels to be maintained to keep boats afloat, protect the wildlife in the canal and "safeguard the canal infrastructure", the charity said.

"With insufficient rainfall and reservoir holdings dwindling, we've had to temporarily close Foxton Locks to boats," a spokesperson said.

"Despite a few heavy downpours recently, we need sustained rain to top up the reservoirs that feed the canals. But, as soon as water levels allow, we'll get them back open."

They said they were grateful for boaters' support and patience.

"In the meantime, we're making the best of the situation to bring forward planned repairs at Foxton which will make the locks more resilient and minimise disruption to boaters later in the year," the spokesperson added.