Stoppages Results

Stoppage: Leek Branch North of Leek Tunnel to the Terminus

Associated Regional Office: Central Shires Waterways

UPDATE (16 November 2009): The breach length between Leek Tunnel and the terminus remains dewatered whilst the engineering teams investigate the nature of the failure.

Water levels have now recovered between Stockton Brook Lock 5 and Leek Tunnel to allow navigation to be available from 10.00 am this morning.

---

UPDATE (13 November 2009):

Stop planks have been installed at the west end of Leek Tunnel and water levels are now recovering between Stockton Brook Lock 9 and the Tunnel, though still not sufficient to allow navigation to re-commence.

Navigation is still suspended between Stockton Brook Lock 5 and Leek Tunnel until further notice to assist with recovery of water levels. This will be reviewed on 16 November.

Navigation between Bedford Street Lock and Stockton Brook Lock 5 is now available.

Winding for craft below Stockton Brook Lock 5 will be at Milton (between bridge 17 and 18). Navigation is currently available below Hazlehurst locks with winding at Cheddleton Flint Mill adjacent to bridge 42.

A further update will be available at 9.30am on Monday 16 November 2009.

---

UPDATE (12 November 2009): Update as at 16.00 on 12 November 2009
Stop planks have been installed at Leek Tunnel and water levels are now recovering between Stockton Brook Lock 9 and Leek Tunnel though not sufficient to allow navigation to re-commence. Navigation is still suspended between Bedford Street Lock 1 and Stockton Brook Lock 9 until further notice.
Engineering teams are now assessing the nature of the failure and potential solutions to the channel and embankment.
A further update will be available at 3pm on Friday 13 November 2009

---

Asset Failure – A breach of the canal occurred earlier this morning between Leek Tunnel and Bridge 9 on the Leek Branch of the Caldon Canal. As a consequence the channel is dewatered between Stockton Brook Lock 9 and the Leek terminus. Navigation is being suspended between Bedford St Lock 1 and Stockton Brook Lock 9 in the interim to allow re-watering once the breach site has been isolated.
Work teams are currently on site and are making the area safe.

Winding for craft below Stockton Brook Lock 5 will be at Milton (between bridge 17 and 18).
Navigation is currently available below Hazlehurst locks with winding at Cheddleton Flint Mill adjacent to bridge 42.

Winding is available below Bedford Street Lock 1.

British Waterways apologise for the inconvenience caused.

(Enquiries: 01827 252000)

The towpath is also closed