Despite our efforts to conserve water and maintain navigation, continued dry weather and falling reservoir levels mean we can no longer maintain passage through this section.

From Sunday 9 August, Locks 8, 14, 15 and 16 will be closed to navigation. Last entry into the flight will be at 2pm, with all locks closed by 3pm.

These closures are necessary to protect limited water resources, support navigation recovery and safeguard canal infrastructure and ecology.

Subject to conditions remaining suitable, we intend to provide a limited movement window on Monday 10 August between 10am and 3pm, with the last entry at 1pm.

We are closely monitoring the situation and doing everything possible to maximise available water supplies across this part of the network. We will continue to review conditions and update this notice as further information becomes available.

We understand that this continues to be disappointing news and our priority is to reopen the canal to full navigation 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.