Part of Coventry canal to close as drought causes ‘exceptional challenges’

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Part of Coventry canal to close as drought causes ‘exceptional challenges’

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Part of the Coventry in Warwickshire is set to close tomorrow amid ‘significant pressure’ on water resources.

The closure on the Coventry canal will be in place from Atherstone Top Lock to Lock 11 with final entry into the lock at 12pm tomorrow (Tuesday).

Temporary operating restrictions were already put in place in July to help conserve water. But the Canal and River Trust says that further measures are now necessary.

The locks will be closed until further notice, with an end date to the closures not yet announced.

Restrictions are also in place elsewhere in the county. There are reduced operating hours at Napton locks 8-16 on the Oxford Canal on the outskirts of Southam and Bishop’s Itchington, as well Hillmorton locks in Rugby.

Also affected are the Hatton Locks 46 to 37 on the Grand Union Canal and the South Stratford Canal Lock 22 (Lapworth) to Lock 55 (Stratford).

Hawkesbury locks will remain open throughout the restriction period. The lock flights are open daily from 10am to 3pm, with the last boat permitted to enter at 2pm.

A spokesman for the Trust said: “Our teams continue to monitor conditions closely and review the situation regularly. We recognise the impact this closure will have on boaters, local businesses and other waterway users and will reopen the flight as soon as conditions allow.

“We would like to thank customers for their patience, understanding and support during this exceptionally challenging period.”

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