As recently reported in the Northwich Guardian, the RWNS is strongly questioning CRT’s closure of the Anderton lift.
The Guardian article can be read here.
The closure is causing massive problems for boaters and traders on the Weaver. Yet CRT are still using the lift for their own purposes.
It is ironic that we are celebrating the 150th anniversary of the lift while it is broken.
Chairman Jim Mole wrote:
“The extended closure is having a significant negative impact on businesses providing boat maintenance activities on the Weaver, such as dry docking, painting, and marina visitor moorings. In addition, there has been a noticeable decline in visiting boats to Northwich, which has led a decrease in economic activity within the town.
Furthermore, hire boaters, already affected by the breach on the Bridgewater have lost another important cruising route.
The Boatlift is a critical hub for the canal system and its continued closure without any communication about a reopening date is eroding confidence about the future of our waterways.”
In an earlier letter to Liam Cooper, Jim wrote:
“Our understanding is that following a breakage of a lifting gate cable ( upper West canal side ) in January 2025 during a routine test lift , both sides of the Lift were closed to traffic.
- When will the root cause of the failure be resolved?
- Why have both sides been closed?
- What test work has been done on the other gates? Were there any failures?
- I have been told that work boats are still using the East side?
- The system has been in operation many years , is it just wear and tear.?
- Has the broken cable been replaced and tested?
- What is your timetable to reopen the Lift ?
- Is there an interim solution ?
I believe English Heritage wish to see and fund an operating Lift.
I am meeting the local MP soon to discuss our concerns and the effect on local businesses reliant on the Boat Lift operating.”
The letters can be seen here: Anderton Boat Lift Closure letters
The committee are considering further action.
