A partial closure of the Leeds-Liverpool canal could last several weeks, after being hit by some of the worst drought conditions for 100 years.

A spokesman for British Waterways says “very heavy sustained rain for a long period”, was needed to build up reservoir stocks enough to re-open the stretch, from Wigan, Lancashire, to Gargrave, near Skipton, which has been closed off to boats, from yesterday.

The seven reservoirs feeding the 127-mile long canal are now only ten per cent full.

On its website the company says: “The overall situation is entirely dependent on the weather and will be monitored daily.

“Once the reservoirs reach 20 per cent holdings, this will trigger looking at the re-opening of the canal – possibly in stages. However, this could be many weeks away.”

Hire boat companies from the western side of the canal are now taking their business to the Bingley and Apperley Bridge areas – as the eastern side of the canal, from Gargrave, through Skipton and Bingley to Leeds, will stay open for navigation.

There will, however, be a restricted lock schedule to minimise the impact on neighbouring waterways.

Feeder streams between Gargrave and Leeds will continue to be monitored but British Waterways is not anticipating further closures.

Vince Moran, operations director at British Waterways, said: “Canals depend upon a complex system of reservoirs and rivers to remain topped up with water.

“However, the lowest rainfall in almost a century combined with high temperatures has left the region’s water supplies at record low levels.

“We have been doing all we can over the last three months to conserve water levels within what is a popular and 200-year-old working canal, and we would only close it as a last resort.”

The towpaths are unaffected by the closures, although British Waterways is asking all visitors to take extra care to stay away from the towpath edge as water levels fall.

For up-to-date information on the restrictions visit waterscape.com or telephone (0113) 281 6850.