OnTheCut

Following our previous update, we are continuing to work closely with our specialist teams to plan the necessary repairs to Vale Royal Lock. The nature of the mechanical issue and the complex site conditions mean that developing a safe and effective repair approach is taking longer than anticipated. We remain committed to resolving the issue and returning the lock to full operation as soon as possible. In the meantime, the lock continues to be restricted to narrowboats only. We will provide a further update on or before Wednesday 28 May.

Vale Royal Lock on the Weaver Navigation continues to be restricted to narrowboats only. This is due to a mechanical issue affecting the gears that operate one of the lock gates. Unfortunately, this fault currently prevents safe operation for wider craft, and as a result, we are unable to accommodate broad-beam vessels at this time. We have engaged our specialist contractors to carry out a detailed assessment and to develop a repair plan. However, the repair work is proving to be complex due to the challenging access arrangements at the lock site. and the need for specialist equipment mean that both the planning and delivery of these repairs will take some time. We appreciate that this restriction may cause inconvenience to some of our boating customers, and we want to reassure you that we are working as quickly and safely as possible to resolve the issue. A further update will be provided on Thursday 8 May. This notice was originally posted on an old system which has now been upgraded, the original description and latest update have been transferred here. To view any historical updates related to this notice, please click [here](https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/media/report/existing-notifications-before-new-system-migration.xlsx).

Original message issued 3 April 2025: Navigation through Vale Royal Lock on the Weaver Navigation is currently restricted to narrow boats only, due to an issue with the top gate operating mechanism slipping, the gates cannot be opened until repaired. Our local team have been informed and will be planning a method of repairs.