Stoppages Results

Advice: Lock 49, Northchurch to Lock 53 Kings Road, Berkhamsted

Anti-vandal padlocks have been put on to the ground and gate paddles of the above locks. Please note that a BW Watermate key is necessary to unlock them.

(Enquiries: 01908 302500)

Advice: London Tidal Locks

For London tidal lock times, please visit www.waterscape.com/londontidallocks

(Enquiries: 020 7985 7200)

Advice: Brentford

Following a couple of recent incidents in the London area, British Waterways would like to remind boaters that water levels will fluctuate on both rivers and canals, so some allowance should be built in when tying up craft directly to the canal bank.
The incidents occurred on the Grand Union Canal at Brentford and River Stort during the Autumn when the water levels rose as a result of high rainfall and increased river flows. Thankfully neither resulted in any serious damage or personal injury.

(Enquiries: 020 7985 7200)

Advice: The Old Mill Public House, Berkhamsted

The water point and sanitary station at The Old Mill Public House, Berkhamsted is closed until further notice.
The nearest water point is next door at the Esso Garage or three Locks north near Waitrose. The nearest alternative sanitary station is 10 locks north at Cowroast, Lock 46 or 10 Locks south at Apsley Yard, Lock 66.
We apologise for this inconvenience.

(Enquiries: 01908 302 500)

Restriction: Braunston Lock 1 to Norton Junction

Restriction Update 18.02.2009:
Braunston Lock 1 to Norton Junction (Braunston Tunnel)
The restriction to wide beamed craft remains in place between Braunston Lock 1 and Norton Junction following the land slip at the western end of Braunston Tunnel. The navigation remains open to narrow boats, maximum dimensions as follows:- Length: 72’, Beam: 7’, Headroom 6’6’. A limited number of wide beam boats are able to pass through the restriction but this will require consultation regarding the profile of the boat. For further information please call Neil Owen on 01908 302575.

Engineering Update 18.02.2009
Following extensive ongoing monitoring of the slip a detailed engineering and options report has been produced. This has set out the extent of the required work along with stabilisation works to the cutting. Current estimate for these works is in excess of £500,000 and this is planned as part of the 09/10 winter stoppage programme.

In the interim the following works are planned:
• Installation of a drainage slip to cater for water seepage which has had an ongoing negative effect on the stability of the slope. This will complement the major works planned for the winter.
• To undertake some spot dredging of silt that has built up (different from the landslip solids) which should assist boat passage.

Due to a recent land slip on the west approach to Braunston Tunnel, navigation for wide beamed craft is temporarily prohibited between Braunston Lock 1 and Norton Junction. Maximum dimensions for navigation of this section are as follows:- Length: 72', Beam: 7', Headroom 6'6".

(Enquiries: 01908 302500)

Advice: Cowley Lock

Customers are requested to use the new bin facility on the north side of Iver Lane Bridge for their domestic waste, accessible via boat or from Iver Lane itself.

(Enquiries: 0207 985 7200)

Opening Times: Lock 101 Thames Lock

24 hour pre-booking always required. This lock can only be passed when manned by BW. Please consult BW London’s Tidal Lock Availability leaflet available on T 020 7985 7200 or www.waterscape.com. Enquires/ out of hours booking / information on the Gauging Locks at Brentford:T 020 8568 2779 if leaving a message please allow additional time. High tide times: London Bridge +1 hour. At high water (particularly high spring tides) boaters should be aware of low headroom under Brentford High Street bridge. For passage between 24 Dec - 1 Jan all bookings must be made by 18 Dec. Closed Christmas Day.

Advice: Water Saving Measures - Marsworth Area

Following a prolonged period of dry weather, the reservoirs used to supply the Tring Summit and Aylesbury Arm are currently below the expected level for this time of year. The long term forecast is for a dry winter so water demand to supply the canal is likely to continue in the near future with little prospect of refill in the short term. Looking to next year we need to protect our water supplies in order to ensure that we can meet demand.

In order to limit demand British Waterways will be implementing THRIFT (British Waterway’s Water Saving Campaign) procedures on the Marsworth Flight and would request that boats only navigate the Aylesbury Arm if your trip is absolutely essential. If you do use the Aylesbury Arm please ensure that all gates and paddles are closed when you leave the lock.

These actions will allow British Waterways to minimise the water required to support the Aylesbury Arm and thus maximise the supply to the Tring Summit, which will remain open for the duration of the Winter Stoppage, and ensure that the reservoirs are in the best possible position for next years cruising session.

Thank you for your co-operation.

(Enquiries: 01908 302500)

Advice: British Waterways' Hatton office

Please note that the main BW Hatton office is no longer selling BW merchandise such as licences, pump out cards and BW keys. These can be purchased at Fazeley or online at www.waterscape.com/shop. Alternatively, telephone BW customer services on 0845 6715530.

(Enquiries: 0845 6715530)

Opening Times: Foxton & Watford Locks

Foxton and Watford Locks will be open daily from 8am-3.30pm. Boaters are reminded that they have to be through the locks by the closing time so should plan to get there about 90 minutes before closing.

Restriction: Great Barr Street Bridge to Camp Hill Lock 6

The canal is restricted due to a large section of masonry walling collapsing into the canal from the offside bank. British Waterways are working with the landowner to get the debris removed as safely and as quickly as possible.

British Waterways apologises for any inconvenience caused.

(Enquiries: 01827 252000)

Towpath Closure only: Alderson Street to Wedlake Road

The towpath will be closed between Alderson Street and Wedlake Road to permit the erection of hoardings at a site adjacent to the pathway.

A diversionary route will be signposted.

(Enquiries: 0207 985 7200)