Water levels have now recovered to the extent that the lock will reopen for normal passage tomorrow, Friday 10th October, from 08:00.

This means that there is no longer a requirement to book in advance.

Due to low rainfall in the River Skell catchment, the Environment Agency has instructed Canal and River Trust to stop abstracting water from the river to feed the Ripon Canal.

As a result, Oxclose Lock is closed to navigation to reduce water use.   We will provide an update on passage through Oxclose Lock once River Skell levels return to normal and the Environment Agency confirms abstraction may resume.

Recent rainfall has begun to restore levels in the River Skell, which feeds the Ripon Canal. To ensure continued recovery and conserve water, the following restrictions remain in place until further notice: Canal Closure The Navigation between Rhodesfield Lock and Bellfurrows Lock will remain close to limit water loss and allow levels to stabilise.  Oxclose Lock Availability Lockages Per Day: Maximum of two        Assisted Passage: Days: Monday – Friday (not including bank holiday) Hours: 10:30 – 12:30 Advance Notice: Minimum 48 hours Booking: Call 0303 040 4040 (Mon–Fri, 08:00–16:00) Please note: if water levels decline, this notice may be replaced by an immediate closure.

Recent rainfall has begun to restore levels in the River Skell, which feeds the Ripon Canal.

To ensure continued recovery and conserve water, the following restrictions remain in place until further notice:

Canal Closure The Navigation between Rhodesfield Lock and Bellfurrows Lock will remain close to limit water loss and allow levels to stabilise.

 Oxclose Lock Availability

Lockages Per Day: Maximum of two        Assisted Passage: Days: Monday – Friday (not including bank holiday) Hours: 10:30 – 12:30 Advance Notice: Minimum 48 hours Booking: Call 0303 040 4040 (Mon–Fri, 08:00–16:00)

Please note: if water levels decline, this notice may be replaced by an immediate closure.

Due to lack of rainfall, we are now closing Oxclose Lock to reduce water usage.

We will provide an update on passage through Oxclose Lock when water levels in the River Skell return to normal.

Please refer to the following closure notice for the Ripon Canal:- Ripon Canal (Rhodesfield to Oxclose Locks) - CLOSED | Canal & River Trust

To assist with water management of the canal, we are restricting passage to essential use only through Oxclose lock to reduce water usage.

48 hrs advance notice for essential passage through Oxclose will be required.

Passage times will be: Mon-Fri 10:30- 13:30

Please contact 0303 040 4040 to book passage.

Passage through Oxclose should be for craft returning to home moorings or pre booked journeys for maintenance.

Please share locks to save water resources   We will provide an update when water levels in the River Skell return to normal.