Canal locks secured at night amid drought
The Canal and River Trust is actively managing water levels on London's waterways due to prolonged dry conditions.
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Drought conditions are leading the Canal and River Trust to actively manage London's waterways. In west London, the gates of six locks on the Grand Union Canal, known as the Hanwell Flight, have been locked overnight. Paddles on these locks have been shut to prevent misuse that could affect water levels downstream. The trust has also applied 'ashing up', a method using coal dust to seal gaps in lock gates and retain water.
Colin Beesley, a waterway operative for the Canal and River Trust, described the situation as "unprecedented" due to one of the driest summers on record with minimal rainfall. The decision to lock the Hanwell Flight overnight was made because the drought has been extended for a significant period. These measures are intended to help maintain water levels in the "Long Pound", a 27-mile lock-free section of the Grand Union Canal that extends to Camden.
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East London Canal Closure
In east London, the Hertford Union Canal, a 1.2-mile stretch connecting the Regent's Canal to the River Lee, has been closed. Charlotte Wood, head of operations at the Canal and River Trust, explained that this "non-critical" route near Victoria Park was closed to ensure that water from west London, including the Hanwell Flight area, is directed towards central London. The trust aims to keep the Regent's Canal open for as long as possible to facilitate boat movement and keep vessels afloat.
While boats are still permitted to travel through the Grand Union Canal in Hanwell during daylight hours, the drought has presented considerable challenges for boaters. Paul Findlay, a boater, noted that this has become a "new normal" during summer months, requiring careful management from both boaters and canal authorities. He added that cooperation between these groups could help maintain canal conditions.
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Nicholas Jones, area operations manager at the Canal and River Trust, stated that the organisation is using a dedicated app to monitor water levels and is closely observing weather patterns. He expressed a strong desire for rain to return to the capital, noting that even slight indications of precipitation have not resulted in significant rainfall.
This section of the Grand Union Canal has been in operation since 1794. The current focus is on ensuring sufficient water levels to keep the locks operational.
Questions this report answers
+Why are locks on the Grand Union Canal being locked at night?
Six locks on the Hanwell Flight are being locked at night to prevent misuse that could impact water levels downstream. This measure is part of the Canal and River Trust's active management of waterways during prolonged drought conditions.
+What is being done to manage water levels in east London?
The Hertford Union Canal in east London has been closed to help direct water towards central London. This action by the Canal and River Trust aims to conserve water resources during the ongoing drought.
+How is the Canal and River Trust monitoring the situation?
The Canal and River Trust is using a mobile application to monitor water levels and is closely observing weather forecasts. They are also employing traditional methods like 'ashing up' lock gates to help retain water.
WE FILE
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