Canal re-opens for boat traffic (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Leeds Liverpool Canal at gargrave set to re-open

10:44am Friday 17th September 2010 in Gargrave

The Leeds-Liverpool Canal, which partially closed last month because of a lack of water, is re-opening.

The 20-mile section between Gargrave, near Skipton, and Barrowford will open to boats from Wednesday. The 40-mile length from Barrowford to Wigan was due to reopen today.

British Waterways said reservoir levels in the region were at a sufficient level to get boat traffic moving again.

The closure has been in place since August 2 when the worst drought conditions for 100 years forced the body to shut the canal between Wigan and Gargrave.

Operations director Vince Moran said: “The significant increase in rainfall over the last few weeks has made it possible for us to introduce a phased reopening. We will continue to monitor the reservoirs on a daily basis.”