The Canal & River Trust has announced a temporary closure of part of the Grand Union Canal Leicester Line with some reservoirs close to reaching their minimum levels. The move follows a prolonged period of dry weather over last autumn, winter and spring, which has meant that some of the reservoir holdings that supply parts of the Leicester Line are lower than would normally be expected at this time of year.
Although above average rainfall in July and August has eased the situation, there are some parts of the canal where water supplies are still a concern with reservoirs approaching their minimum holdings. Naseby Reservoir in particular did not fully refill last winter and, with a relatively small catchment, has not responded significantly to the recent rainfall.
The Trust has been monitoring the situation carefully and is investing in a programme of works to re-line a number of lock gates to ensure that the available water is used as efficiently as possible. However, modelling of the situation indicates that this may not be enough to allow normal navigation through to the end of the main boating season. As a consequence the Trust is reluctantly closing a five mile stretch of the canal between Kilby Lock 30 and Kings Lock 38 from 3pm on Wednesday 27 September.
There is no definite end date for the closure however by closing now the reservoirs will have more time to recharge and recover from the effects of the dry weather and the summers boating.
Kindest regards
Cheryl Turner
Business Administrator
Email: cheryl.turner@canalrivertrust.org.uk
Direct Tel: 01636 675732
Canal & River Trust, East Midlands
The Kiln, Mather Road
Newark
Notts
NG24 1FB