LOCKS along the Leeds and Liverpool Canal between Gargrave and Wigan, including Barnoldswick remain closed, despite recent rainfall.

Although locks have reopened on a limited basis from Holme Bridge, on the outskirts of Gargrave, towards Skipton and Newlay, Leeds, locks along the canal heading west from Gargrave remain closed - with no indication of whey they will be open again.

The Canal and River Trust, which closed the locks along a 55 mile stretch of the canal at the end of July, during the summer heatwave, says while the rainfall has replenished rivers, reservoirs in the area remain low.

And, until reservoir stocks improve, the stretch of the canal from Gargrave to Wigan, which is reservoir dependant, will have to remain closed.

A spokesman for the Canal and River Trust said: “We have been able to reopen the locks from lock 30 eastwards and boaters can now use the canal between Holme Bridge Lock at Gargrave and Leeds. This section of canal is predominantly river-fed and has therefore been more responsive to the recent rainfall.

“The canal running west from Gargrave towards Wigan is more dependent on reservoirs and these have not responded in quite the same way to the rainfall. Consequently we’re not in a position to reopen locks for boaters to use on that section. We’re continuously monitoring the situation and will reopen as soon as we possibly can.”

The trust says it will closely monitor the reopened sections and the impact of increased boat usage on water resources.

It is also warning boaters to remain vigilant and to conserve water, including sharing locks, inviting oncoming boats through locks which are already set for them and, unless advised otherwise, making sure all gates and paddles are closed after use.

Jon Horsfall, head of customer service support at the Canal and River Trust said; “The recent rainfall has given a slightly improved picture in some parts of the north and it’s good news that some sections have reopened so boaters can enjoy those parts of the network.

“It’s a welcome respite in what has been an exceptional and challenging summer for water supplies, and we’re pleased that boaters on these sections can get on the move once more.

“Of course, whilst this is certainly a gradual step in the right direction we are some way from a complete recovery and the situation remains very sensitive to future rainfall.”