Locks on the Leeds-to-Liverpool canal are being closed after 4.30pm because there has not been enough rain this summer.

Exceptionally dry conditions so far this year mean British Waterways has had to take water from its reservoirs to keep the canal full.

And, to preserve supplies for the busy summer months, most of the 91 locks are now only open between 9am and 4.30pm.

It means holidaymakers and daytrippers will be subject to restrictions along the length of the canal from Gargrave, through Bank Newton, to Barrowford.

Boat users are also being urged not to enter locks on their own, but to wait for another boat to save water.

Troy Dortona, of Snaygill Boats, which runs day trips and canal holidays, said they understood there was a danger the canal could be completely closed.

“Our hirers would be very annoyed and there would be cancellations. We would have to refund large sums of money,” he said.

“We have people who have hired boats for three weeks.

“These people have itineraries and planned routes for what they want to do for the three weeks and now they’ll have to cut back because they’ll have to get through the locks before 4.30pm.”

Mr Dortona claimed the canal suffered from leaks.

Debbie Lumb, British Waterways manager for the North West, said it was doing everything it could to manage the water shortage.

“There is a risk that the reservoirs will not have sufficient water to supply the canal throughout the boating season,” she said.

“To lessen this risk and prolong the availability of the canal for the summer months ahead, we have introduced some operating hours when the locks can be used.

“We’ll be doing everything we can to manage the water shortage and keep the canal open for the thousands of boaters who use it every year.”

The restrictions apply to five locks at Gargrave, five at Bank Newton and three at Barnoldswick.

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