Canal summit scheduled to reopen

Part of one of England's major canals that was closed in North Yorkshire because of a lack of water after a dry summer is reopening on Wednesday.

Low rainfall during the summer meant that the summit of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal between Greenberfield and Gargrave was shut a month ago.

British Waterways said they would still keep a watchful eye on the situation.

Restrictions will apply at Barrowford, in Lancashire, and in North Yorkshire at Bank Newton and Holme Locks.

Laurence Morgan, from British Waterways, said: "We have been monitoring the water levels on a regular basis and are now cautiously optimistic that we can open the canal to take us up to the winter stoppage season at the beginning of November.

"Although the recent rainfall has restored levels in the reservoirs and canals, we would like to point out that we are only partially on the road to recovery.

"We hope that this will enable our customers to enjoy what remains of the boating season before the winter sets in."