BALMAHA is currently passing Leicester on her way north.

This might interest those who plan to travel through Leicester between stoppages:-

Belgrave Lock (44) opened (20th Jan)
Birstal Lock (45) closure (30th Jan)

both on the GU, Leics Section.

The pound between North Lock (42) and Limekiln Lock (43) was 18" lower than normal on Friday 20th Jan. We ground to a halt immediately out of North Lock, under North Bridge(6)and it was "Touch & Go" all the way to Limekiln passing exposed canal debris. As an illustration we passed a traffic cone on its side which was only half covered with water. Balmaha has a 22" draft (designed not measured) so beware.

Downstream paddles and gates at Limekiln are in good order and we have it from a BW connected source that industry along that stretch is taking water under licence which may account for losses. This has probably been made worse by lack of traffic on that section while Belgrave Lock was being repaired.

BW are informed but there is little anyone can do apart from helping yourself by letting through water from above North Lock.

We had intended returning south through Leicester before the closure (30th) at Birstall but were informed that BW are itching to get started with repairs there and may (I said may) start a couple of days earlier. This would seriously mess up our plans and we will be sure to call BW if we have to travel after Friday 27th Jan.

Suggest you do the same.

Isn't it fun.