Wigan water shortage
Published Date:
26 August 2008
It's a little hard to believe given the weather of the past few months - but some tourists to Wigan are actually claiming there's a SHORTAGE of the wet stuff this summer.
The Evening Post was contacted by a visiting narrow boat crew, complaining about a lack of water in the canal in Wigan.
They were returning to Yorkshire after a journey into Red Rose territory and were halfway up the famous 23-lock staircase of the Wigan Flight on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal when they sent their SOS.
The private boat owner, who did not want to be named, could not believe the low levels of water in the canal.
He was speaking after organisers of the annual Haigh Vintage and Steam Rally – which is held near the canal and attracts many boaters – was called off because of the rain sodden fields.
He said: "I know it sounds crazy when you think of the rain we have had, but there doesn't seem to be enough water in the canal. We were wondering if there was a breach in the canal bank on the Wigan stretches that is responsible, but we haven't been told of any."
Crooke Cruising Club spokesman Melanie Tyerman said that her members had not reported any problems travelling the famed flight of 23 locks.
On a good day, with minimal traffic, a narrow boat can get up the flight in two-and-a-half hours, although with heavy traffic this can stretch to as long as seven hours.
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The full article contains 260 words and appears in Wigan Evening Post newspaper.
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Last Updated:
26 August 2008 4:24 PM
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Source:
Wigan Evening Post
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Location:
Wigan
