Navigation Closure Completed

Handcocks Swing Bridge

This issue has now been resolved, and navigation has resumed.

Details

Type: Navigation Closure
Waterway(s): Leeds & Liverpool Canal
From: 27 August 2025, 10:42am
To: 28 August 2025, 3:14pm inclusive
Region: North West
Reason: Repair
Subject to review on: 28 August 2025

Location

Closest waterway: Leeds & Liverpool Canal
Starts at: Bridge 9, Handcocks Swing Bridge
Ends at: Bridge 9, Handcocks Swing Bridge

Descriptions

Update 27 August 2025, 3:42pm

Following today’s road traffic incident, the canal remains closed to boats.

Our contractors are already on site and are in the process of sourcing and installing a replacement barrier.

We understand this closure may cause inconvenience and appreciate your patience and cooperation while we carry out these urgent repairs.

A further update will be provided tomorrow

Original 27 August 2025, 10:44am

The navigation is currently closed at Bridge 9, Handcocks Swing Bridge on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal due to a vehicle strike.

Our local team have been informed and are in attendance.

An update will be provided later today.

Navigation Closure Update

Lock 1, Rufford branch

Details

Type: Navigation Closure
Waterway(s): Rufford Branch (L&L Canal)
From: 18 August 2025, 10am
To: On-going
Region: North West
Reason: Repair
Subject to review on: 4 September 2025

Location

Closest waterway: Rufford Branch (L&L Canal)
Starts at: Lock 1, Top Lock Swing Bridge
Ends at: Lock 1, Top Lock Swing Bridge

Descriptions

Update 28 August 2025, 3:19pm

Our local team is currently working to secure the area so that works can begin. Installation of dams and scaffolding is scheduled for early next week. Replacement paddles are being manufactured and are expected to be completed this week.

We anticipate that the canal will be back open towards the end of next week.

A further update will be provided on or before Thursday, 4 September.

Original 18 August 2025, 3:53pm

Navigation is currently closed at Lock 1 on the Rufford branch of the Leeds & Liverpool Canal due to both paddles have failed and currently cannot be safely operated.

    Our specialist teams are in the process in developing a method of repair.  

  An update will be provided Wednesday 20 August. 

Customer Service Facility Completed

Burscough Services

We are pleased to advise that the toilets at Burscough services are back open following a successful repair.

Details

Type: Customer Service Facility
Waterway(s): Leeds & Liverpool Canal
From: 26 August 2025, 1:33pm
To: 28 August 2025, 3:03pm inclusive
Region: North West
Reason: Repair
Subject to review on: 28 August 2025

Location

Closest waterway: Leeds & Liverpool Canal
Starts at: Burscough Services
Ends at: Burscough Services

Descriptions

Update 27 August 2025, 3:48pm

The toilets at Burscough Services on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal remain closed due to blocked pipes.

    Contractors have unfortunately been delayed in attending site.

    A further update will be provided Thursday 28 August.

Original 26 August 2025, 1:38pm

The toilets at Burscough Services on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal are currently out of use due to blocked pipes.

Contractors have been instructed to attend site.

An update will be provided Tuesday 27 August.

Customer Service Facility Completed

Litherland Services

The pump out facility at Litherland Services on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal is back open.

Details

Type: Customer Service Facility
Waterway(s): Leeds & Liverpool Canal
From: 26 August 2025, 3pm
To: 28 August 2025, 2:58pm inclusive
Region: North West
Reason: Repair
Subject to review on: 28 August 2025

Location

Closest waterway: Leeds & Liverpool Canal
Starts at: Litherland Services
Ends at: Litherland Services

Descriptions

Update 27 August 2025, 4:49pm

The pump out facility at Litherland Services on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal remains out of use due to a damaged nozzle.

  Contractors have unfortunately been delayed in attending site.

  A further update will be provided Thursday 28 August.

Original 26 August 2025, 1:53pm

The pump out facility at Litherland Services on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal is currently out of use due to a damaged nozzle.

Contractors have been instructed to attend site.

A further update will be provided Wednesday 27 August.

Navigation Closure Update

Bugsworth Basin

Details

Type: Navigation Closure
Waterway(s): Bugsworth Arm (Peak Forest Canal)
From: 1 August 2025, 7am
To: On-going
Region: North West
Reason: Low Water Levels
Subject to review on: 12 September 2025

Location

Closest waterway: Bugsworth Arm (Peak Forest Canal)
Starts at: Bridge 56
Ends at: Bridge 61, Chinley Road Bridge

Descriptions

Update 28 August 2025, 9:45am

The Bugsworth Basin remains closed to help us manage the remaining supplies to keep the Peak Forest Canal in water and protect the canal network, its infrastructure, and the surrounding ecology.

To help further preserve the water levels between Whaley Bridge and the New Mills area, stop planks have been placed in at Bridge 28, Thornsett Road Bridge.

We will continue to monitor the situation and provide fortnightly updates, or sooner if conditions change.

Our priority remains to reopen these canals to full navigation as soon as possible. Thank you for your continued support in reducing water use across our network and for reporting leaks or concerns via 0303 040 4040 or our Contact Us page.

Original 30 July 2025, 11:09am

We will be closing the Bugsworth Basin on the morning of Friday 1 August to help us manage the remaining supplies to keep the Peak Forest Canal in water and protect the canal network, its infrastructure, and the surrounding ecology.

All boats need to vacate the basin by Thursday evening; our teams will be installing stop planks at the basin entrance on Friday morning.

Due to falling water levels, boats will not be able to remain moored within the basin as we cannot ensure there will be sufficient water levels during this closure, and we do not know how long this closure will last. We understand this will be disappointing and disruptive to your boating plans, and we assure you that this decision has not been taken lightly.

We will continue to monitor the situation and provide fortnightly updates, or sooner if conditions change. We understand this is disappointing news, and our priority remains to reopen these canals to full navigation as soon as possible. Thank you for your support in reducing water use across our network and for reporting leaks or concerns via 0303 040 4040 or our Contact Us page.

Towpath Closure

Bridge 71, Porters Footbridge

Details

Type: Towpath Closure
Waterway(s): Macclesfield Canal
From: 22 August 2025, 1:28pm
To: On-going
Region: North West
Reason: Repair
Subject to review on: 4 September 2025

Location

Closest waterway: Macclesfield Canal
Starts at: Bridge 71, Porters Footbridge
Ends at: Bridge 71, Porters Footbridge

Description

Original 22 August 2025, 1:30pm

The towpath over Bridge 71, Porters Footbridge, on the Macclesfield Canal is currently closed to all users due to damage to the bridge panels.

Our team is aware of the issue, and a repair method is being organised.

We will provide a further update on or before Thursday 4 September.

Towpath Restriction

Kirkstall Abbey 7 Race Event – 21 September – Leeds and Liverpool Canal

Details

Type: Towpath Restriction
Waterway(s): Leeds & Liverpool Canal
From: 21 September 2025, 8am
To: 21 September 2025, noon inclusive
Region: Yorkshire and North East
Reason: Event

Location

Closest waterway: Leeds & Liverpool Canal
Starts at: Bridge 216, Owl Swing Bridge
Ends at: Lock 13, Newlay Top Lock

Description

Original 22 August 2025, 9:51am

A running event, organised by Kirkstall Harriers, and planned for Sunday 21 September on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal. The event will use a section of towpath between Owl Swingbridge, 216 and Newlay Locks (see map link). Around 250 people are expected to take part and the event runs between 8am and 12 noon. The run has taken place previously and the local authority are aware.   The course will be stewarded and first aid provision is in place. All participants will receive a safety briefing and advance notices, underground services, trips, single file running, priority/courtesy towards other site users, extra care around locks/low bridges, anti-social behaviour, safeguarding, litter, congestion, the water hazard (including weils) and the weather have all been considered.  The towpath will be kept clear at all times

Navigation Closure Update

Lock 1, Rufford branch

Details

Type: Navigation Closure
Waterway(s): Rufford Branch (L&L Canal)
From: 18 August 2025, 10am
To: On-going
Region: North West
Reason: Repair
Subject to review on: 28 August 2025

Location

Closest waterway: Rufford Branch (L&L Canal)
Starts at: Lock 1, Top Lock Swing Bridge
Ends at: Lock 1, Top Lock Swing Bridge

Descriptions

Update 20 August 2025, 3:37pm

Navigation remains closed at Lock 1 on the Rufford branch of the Leeds & Liverpool Canal due to both paddles have failed and currently cannot be safely operated.

Unfortunately our teams have been delayed with other emergency’s and remain developing a method of repair and manufacturing replacement paddles.

Our teams will be onsite from next week and an update will be provided Thursday 28 August.     

Original 18 August 2025, 3:53pm

Navigation is currently closed at Lock 1 on the Rufford branch of the Leeds & Liverpool Canal due to both paddles have failed and currently cannot be safely operated.

    Our specialist teams are in the process in developing a method of repair.  

  An update will be provided Wednesday 20 August. 

Navigation Closure Update

Poolstock Lock 1 to Bridge No.3, Bamfurlong Bridge

Details

Type: Navigation Closure
Waterway(s): Leigh Branch (L&L Canal)
From: 12 August 2025, 12:16pm
To: On-going
Region: North West
Reason: 3rd Party Works
Subject to review on: 2 September 2025

Location

Closest waterway: Leigh Branch (L&L Canal)
Starts at: Lock 1, Top Lock, Leigh Branch
Ends at: Bridge No.3, Bamfurlong bridge

Descriptions

Update 19 August 2025, 11:27am

Navigation remains closed between Lock 1, Poolstock Locks and Bridge No.3, Bamfurlong Bridge on the Leigh Branch of the Leeds & Liverpool Canal. The third-party utilities company, with the support of our framework contractors, have now installed the dams around the water pipe and have isolated the area of the leak within the canal bed. A fish rescue has also taken place.

The third party are now looking into initial repairs to the embankment as a matter of urgency to ensure the stability of the canal bank and the aqueduct running below it. They will then further inspect the aqueduct and plan the repair. This is anticipated to take several weeks, with a provisional date set as 30 September.

If you have a Ribble Link and/or a Liverpool Link booking that may be affected by this closure and would like to speak to our North West Customer Service Team regarding a possible alternative date, please call us on 0303 040 4040, or you can do so via your online account.

A further update on progress made will be provided on, or before, Tuesday 2 September. 

Original 12 August 2025, 12:20pm

Navigation is closed between Bridge 2A, Railway Bridge and Bridge No.3, Bamfurlong Bridge on the Leigh Branch of the Leeds & Liverpool Canal whilst we investigate reports of a suspected leak from a third-party culvert near to Bridge 2B, Railway Bridge.

Whilst investigations continue, we politely request all customers to stay away from the affected area.

An update will be provided by Thursday 14 August.

Navigation Closure Completed

Bingley 3 & 5 Rise – Closed

consolidated in one notice https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/notices/0196ab11-3e87-7063-8add-2861b63f6abc

Details

Type: Navigation Closure
Waterway(s): Leeds & Liverpool Canal
From: 25 June 2025, 2:42pm
To: 19 August 2025, 11am inclusive
Region: Yorkshire and North East
Reason: Low Water Levels
Subject to review on: 2 July 2025

Location

Closest waterway: Leeds & Liverpool Canal
Starts at: Lock 29, Bingley 5 Rise Top Lock
Ends at: Lock 22, Bingley 3 Rise Bottom Lock

Description

Original 25 June 2025, 2:45pm

Due to low water levels and the continuation of this dry weather Bingley 5 Rise and Bingley 3 Rise have not received enough water for us to open Thursday of this week as planned.   The lock flights will remain closed, and we will keep this situation under review and provide an update on or before Wednesday 2nd July.   We understand this is disappointing news, and our priority is to reopen the lock flights as soon as possible. We thank you for your support in reducing water use across our network and reporting leaks or concerns via 0303 040 4040 or our Contact Us page.