Lock 33 is being closed due to drought conditions, whilst this is in place we will be completely a 2027 stoppage to change both top and bottom lock gates and stop plank groves.

There will be review points throughout the works if conditions change and they canal is to re-open. this currently looks like the following • Works at Lock 33 are expected to commence during the week commencing 17th August. • Replacement of the top gates is expected to be completed during the week commencing 31st August. • At that point, the project team will review progress on site, alongside prevailing water levels, weather conditions and any rainfall received across the catchment, to determine whether any navigation passage opportunity can be safely provided. • Following repositioning of the crane boat, works will begin on the bottom gates, with completion currently anticipated by 25 September. • This will be followed by approximately four days of demobilisation and making the site safe. • Subject to conditions and successful completion of the works, a planned navigation passage window is currently expected between 2 and 4 October.

As with all works taking place during the current drought conditions, the programme will be kept under constant review. We are holding regular internal meetings to monitor progress, water resource conditions and navigation impacts, and we will continue to assess opportunities to minimise disruption wherever possible.

We wanted to provide this update as early as possible given the interest many of you have shown in the planned works and the feedback you previously shared.

Your comments played an important role in helping us understand the potential business impacts of a future planned closure, and we are grateful for the constructive engagement we have received throughout.

We will continue to keep you informed as the works progress and will issue further updates should any aspect of the programme change.