Water shortage could close county's canals

17 August 2025

Martin HeathBBC News, Northamptonshire, Northampton

News image — Lock 12 near Long Buckby opened earlier this year after extensive repairs but could close again this month

Martin Heath/BBC A canal lock with gates opened nearest the camera and a low water level within. The far gates are shut. There are stone steps up to the gates on both sides. ON the right are metal railings with notices on them. The towpath beyond the railings on the right runs along a hedge. — Lock 12 near Long Buckby opened earlier this year after extensive repairs but could close again this month

The organisation that runs England's waterways says parts of the Grand Union Canal could close later this month unless there is more rain.

Restrictions on using some locks in Northamptonshire were imposed on Friday.

The Canal and River Trust (CRT) says they could be taken out of action completely on Tuesday if water levels do not improve.

Traders who sell their wares from narrowboats say they are worried about the situation.

On Friday, the CRT introduced limited opening hours on the Grand Union Canal's locks in the Braunston, Buckby and Stoke Bruerne areas, numbered 1 to 20.

Boats can use them only between 10:00 and 15:00 BST.

The trust said that, if levels did not improve, they would be closed to boats around the clock from 26 August.

The Northampton Arm, which runs from the Gayton Junction on the Grand Union to the Nene in Northampton, will be closed to boats from 16:00 BST on 20 August.

Mat Fascione/Geograph A brick tunnel entrance on a canal, with a grass towpath to the left (one mooring post is visible). The tunnel has red brick on the centre and right of the arch, with grey brick on its left. There is a tree to the left of the brick and a black notice outlining details of the tunnel to the left of the tree. The heading on the notice is "Braunston Tunnel". — The affected area includes Braunston Tunnel, which opened in 1786

The CRT said: "Our charity's teams and volunteers have been working round the clock to manage water levels but, with such little rainfall and reservoir holdings dwindling, we've had to temporarily close some locks to boats.

"This will help us save water to help keep boats afloat, protect the wildlife that lives in the canal, and safeguard the canal infrastructure itself."

The trust added that although there had been some downpours recently, sustained rain was needed to top up the reservoirs that feed the canals.

It said the canals would reopen as soon as water levels allowed and it was "grateful to boaters for their support and patience".

Martin Heath/BBC A woman with blonde hair tied back, wearing a pink top and dark leggings, is standing next to her black narrowboat, with a sign saying "Daisy's Bakin' Butty Floating Cafe" which she is putting up on the towpath. The boat also has a red sign with the cafe's name on it. A mud towpath, flanked by a hedge, is on the left. — Daisy Hampshire believes she will have to stay in one place until there is "significant rainfall"

Daisy Hampshire, whose floating cafe Daisy's Bakin' Butty is a familiar sight on Northamptonshire's waterways, is hoping the weather turns.

She said: "The news of the lock closures has been expected but obviously worrying for us as traders, although for the time being we are able to continue attending our next two festivals.

"We're not planning long term because it depends on rain, but the likelihood is that we will have to stay in this area until we get a significant rainfall in order to return home."

The CRT said towpaths would remain open for walkers, cyclists and those who want to spend time near the water.

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