A Hertfordshire Canal bleeds dry and boats are getting stuck since 2014

A Hertfordshire Canal bleeds dry and boats are getting stuck since 2014

 

A canal river lock system in Berkhamstead has been leaking dry

 

Wwith what seems temporary instructions on how to use a special method to avoid this, but some have not been doing as instructed and leaving them in the wrong position and thus canal boats are becoming stranded, the boats tilt and contents of the barges into disarray.

 

Tania Clarke has been tweeting to Canal & River Trust to alert them of the problem. On one occasion they were already dealing with it. She's heard fellow boaters complain about maintenance on parts of the canal, vandalism and boaters not following the instructions.

 

Tania said "Part of the Grand Union Canal in Berkhamstead has run dry twice in the month already. Two of the locks are leaky so the CRT has put up temporary instructions to avoid the problem but either the boaters aren't following the instructions or perhaps vandalism is causing the problem. Wildlife is affected and canal boats are becoming stranded, the boats tilt and contents of the barges topple into disarray."

 

A heron is comes in to snap up the vulnerable fish.

Steve commented "A large Dutch barge came up through. Even got stuck in 53."

 

Instructions put in place back in 2014 instruct that the gate paddles must be left in a raised position.

 

More recently a similar sign has been put at another lock further along stream at Winkwell Lock 59, dated 23/02/2016.

 

Deborah commented "Somebody went upstream last night leaving all the top gates open so no water left in canal :-( "

 

Sarah, a representative from the Trust responded in an email "This set of locks do leak and to help conserve water" but went on to blame boaters error. "there are clear instructions alongside the locks advising boaters. Much like a bath, if these paddles and gates are left open the water in the canal will quickly drain away"

 

WatfordLondon ask for experts as well as boaters to get in counct with us.

 

Welcome to Watford London UK!

Contact us today!

Please like, Share and follow

| © 2024