10/07/2026
Below is the latest closure update on the Erewash Canal. This has been going on for days. Now, for those not aware, the Erewash has 3 independent water supplies. The river Erewash, the Nutbrook, and a feed from Moorgreen reservoir, which was sold off in the 90's into private ownership. Last year, during the drought we were one of the few canals to stay open. The current stoppage is an interesting one, which has grown from the initial posting, and yesterday within the space of 1 hr it was extended from Sandiacre to Long Eaton, not sure why. No one really knows why. Whilst we accept low water levels happen, we are incredibly frustrated that no one has been up to Langley Mill to run excess water down. it is currently over the gates and flowing freely from Moorgreen. The reason I have been told is after Storm Babet a few years ago, there is fear that any additional water from Moorgreen could flood the lower lying areas of Eastwood and CRT become liable. It won't, and comparing a summers dry day to an October flash flood is somewhat ridiculous. The guys on the shop floor are doing their best, but there aren't enough of them. We have had 4 dock cancellations this week, we have had to welfare check boats stuck and help them get floated. Barkers lock has water peeing through the top gates, and bottom gates, and it won't be the only one, why haven't these locks been ashed up? no levels are going to recover when they are leaking badly. We have had no communication from CRT, other than to keep an eye on the website for updates, we are having to chase people to find out what is going on, and all of this at a time when surveyors are reviewing leases and the business boating community is seeing an initial increase of 30%. 30! we won't see a 30% increase in improved services on this canal. maybe we need a couple of vloggers to highlight the issues, as that seems to sort it overnight. This is the most wonderful canal, the Erewash Canal Association work incredibly hard alongside CRT and ourselves to advertise it, but at the moment it seems we are left out on a limb out of sight, out of mind, with water flowing freely but not able to do anything about getting it to the areas which need it.
Rant over.
Navigation Closure Update
Between Long Eaton Lock 61 and Shipley Lock 72
Details
Type: Navigation Closure
Waterway(s): Erewash Canal
From: 6 July 2026, 1:30pm
To: On-going
Region: East Midlands
Reason: Low Water Levels
Subject to review on: 16 July 2026
Location
Closest waterway: Erewash Canal
Starts at: Lock 72 - Shipley Lock
Ends at: Lock 61 - Long Eaton
Descriptions
Update 9 July 2026, 2:28pm
This closure has now been extended down to Long Eaton Lock 61.
The prolonged dry weather and lack of rainfall means we are struggling with low water levels. Please do not navigate this stretch until levels have recovered.
We will update this notice when we have further information.
Original 6 July 2026, 1:26pm
The navigation is currently closed between Stenson's Lock 71 and Shipley Lock 72 due to low water levels.
Passage through the locks is not possible while the team carry out water control. It may take a few days for the levels to come back up.
We will update this notice once we have further information.
