The Canal and River Trust (CRT) today published its draft winter maintenance program for 2017-18, saying that throughout this period the trust intends to spend £26.9 million on dredging and repairs to bridges and embankments.
Dredging is planned across the network, at sites including the Macclesfield, Chesterfield, Lancaster and Grand Union amongst others, with a fund set aside for spot dredging.
Matthew Symonds, boating strategy and engagement manager at the Canal and River Trust, said: “Each winter the trust concentrates effort on essential repairs and maintenance to the canals while the waterways are quieter.
“Work can close the waterway and occasionally the towpath so before we finalize our closure plans we want to consult boaters to make sure as little disruption as possible is caused.”
They also plan to spend £17.4 million on other works including replacing 180 lock gates, up from 166 last year.
The trust is asking boaters to take a look and give their feedback on the plans.
“ Comments are welcome until Friday 16 June and will then be reviewed by the trust before publishing a revised plan,” according to the announcement.
Boaters will then have a further chance to comment before the finalized plans are published at the end of the summer, the trust concluded.