The Canal And River Trust, operating locally as Canal River Trust Lancaster, have had to close off access to the Lune aqueduct due to large deep holes that have occurred on the tow path.
The temporary closure was decided as a last resort to protect vital services that run under the tow path. One hole is at least a foot deep, which means a temporary solution, such as filling them with gravel, is not an option.
Sadly, the dedicated team of volunteers who erected the protective fencing were threatened whilst putting this fencing up, and the fencing to protect users, and prevent further damage, has already been vandalised.
“We don’t mean to cause any issues or difficulties in your travel/journeys along our nice aqueduct, but health is better than injury,” the team commented in a post to the Facebook Lancaster and Present group, which itself attracted some ill considered and ill-advised comments.
“I understand this means you can’t access each end of the aqueduct, but for saftey reasons this has had to be fenced off.”
“This could be closed for a certain amount of time. So please take that into consideration.”
Regular users of the canal using it to commute into town are advised to use alternative routes until repairs are made. Several have suggested additional signage further from the aqueduct, to give advance warning of the closure.
In April, we reported on a stark warning from the Canal And River Trust that government funding cuts mean our much-loved canal network is at risk of closures, which will likely exacerbate as public funding is ended. Unfortunately, this is one example.
Founded in 2012, Canal & River Trust is the UK’s largest canal charity, caring for a 2,000-mile network of stunning canals and navigable rivers.
Roy Goulden, an engineer and surveyor, commented on the Facebook post, explaining: “The cause of the voids below the path need to be determined before filling is carried out. In addition, it is common practice to liaise with the local council conservation officer to determine if full ‘Listed Building Consent’ is required, or if remedials are classed as like for like repairs. Voids are usually a result of migration of fine material often due to water around drainage. They can also be a result of poor consolidation.”