CRT yesterday (24th March 2020) made the decision to close the Caen Hill flight between locks 29 and 44 until further notice as part of its response to the Covid-19 (coronavirus) pandemic, to protect its staff and ensure they are only sent to deal with the most critical tasks. The last boats were admitted at 10am yesterday.
The K&A is also closed at lock 52 at Wootton Rivers due to a broken gate, until further notice.
On Monday CRT suspended the 14-day rule until 14th April 2020 and boat sightings are not being taken during this period. This will be reviewed in mid-April.
CRT is also telling the public that if they use the towpath for their daily exercise or journey to undertake essential work, to avoid any stretches with boats moored against the towpath, and strictly observe social distancing at all times, following the latest advice from Government.
The K&A boaters action group has obtained an assurance from CRT that it will not take enforcement action against boaters who are trapped between Lock 11 in Bath and Seend (Semington for 70′ boats) because of the stoppage at Seend Wharf Bridge. CRT has placed certain conditions on this assurance. The stoppage runs until 11th March. This is the letter from CRT Head of Boating Mike Grimes:
A boater sent us these photos of the work at between Whaddon and Hilperton to repair three holes in the bed of the canal. Many boats have been trapped. The stoppage is planned to end on 1st or 2nd June. Water levels may fluctuate overnight on 29th May as BW test for watertightness between Bradford and Semington locks. In summer 2011 there was a breach between Whaddon and Hilperton Marsh.