June 2025 update on Huddersfield Canals

Here is the latest on repair at Lock 11W as reported on 6th June 2025 by Canal & River Trust

‘Work is moving along to plan at Lock 11W and we’re making great progress. Tree removal is now complete, and everything was done under the watchful eye of our ecologist to make sure any bats or nesting birds were protected throughout.

At the southern slip, we’ve finished building a working platform in the canal bed and have started installing the new retaining structure, a big step forward in strengthening the embankment.

Meanwhile, over by Lock 11W, we’ve kicked off the enabling works to create a safe crossing over the River Tame. As part of this next stage, we’ll soon be lowering the water levels between Lock 11W and Lock 12W so we can carry out work safely. A fish rescue will also take place.

We’re aiming to complete the embankment repairs by 1 August, and after that we’ll be working on putting everything back the way it was – including resurfacing paths and replanting trees where access was needed.’

Water shortage closes the Huddersfield Narrow Canal

From Friday May 23rd 2025 Canal & River Trust closed the Huddersfield Narrow from end to end. This was the message they sent out:

‘Despite the team’s best efforts to preserve water and maximise all the water feeds into the canal, the prolonged dry spell means water supply to the Huddersfield Narrow Canal is unsustainable at current levels.  With no discernible rain forecast, and thus little prospect of improvement in the medium term, we will be suspending navigation on the canal until further notice from Lock 1E to Lock 1W.     This decision has been informed by the following: –  

• Yorkshire Water is reducing water supplies to the canal; prioritising drinking water and river compensation feeds.
• The ongoing reconstruction of Lock 11W following last winter’s storm damage
• The requirement to maintain a minimum level of water in the canal to protect fish and wildlife’

 The Standedge Tunnel Trip boat and the Marsden Shuttle operated by Huddersfield Canal Society will continue to operate in the summit pound for as long as a navigable water level can be maintained.    Next Steps  We will continue to monitor the situation and will provide fortnightly updates, or sooner if conditions change. We understand that this is very disappointing news, and our priority is to reopen the canal to full navigation as soon as possible.

This is the earliest such closure that anyone can recall and is not surprising in view of the prolonged period without rain and the winter work on reservoirs which meant that some did not start the season topped up.  As we’ve had no word to the contrary we are operating the Little Blue Boat in Uppermill subject to availability of volunteers as well as continuing to operate at Tunnel End Marsden as noted in the CRT advice. Neither of these operations involve use of locks.

• The Maintenance team is continuing to work on east side vegetation clearance every Friday fortnight. Various tasks have been undertaken including installation of missing milestones in 5 locations, vegetation cutting back, wall and fencing repairs and  painting of lock gates and spindles.

• The office is now unattended so the best way to contact us is by email. 

**  Best wishes to all our members, supporters and friends  **

The results of our 43rd Quarterly Draw  are:

£72.00 1st Prize to Tony Zajac
£36.00 2nd Prize to Andrew Shepherd

The results of our 44th Quarterly Draw  are:

£72.00 1st Prize to Roger Vaughan
£36.00 2nd Prize to John Donnelly

Congratulations to the prize winners!

(If you want to join in – details are in the Members’ Area.)