Audlem boat park

Regular towpath walkers will have noticed that the lock flight has become a boat park, and there are no boats moving. Yesterday evening there were 11 boats moored between locks 11 & 4 (going up). The boat inhabitants seemed reasonably philosophical, barbecues had appeared, and music was being made. This must be one of the best places on the canal system to be stuck.

Certainly beats being stuck on the lock flight up into Wolverhampton, next to an incinerator and a park frequented by assorted pond life!

The problem is at lock 4 (one down from Bagley Lane bridge): the top gate has been jammed open since Wednesday night. Whatever the reason, this is not an unusual occurrence on a canal network over 200 years old.

Canal & River Trust have been at the site today (safety assessment comes first!), but based on past experience we'll be lucky to see it open today.

No idea how many boats are "parked" above lock 4, but this all must be good for Audlem traders.

Likely to be some interesting taxi logistics this morning as there are several hire boats (due back today) in the boat park!

As one boater commented "Great place to be marooned to clean the brass, work up a thirst, and wander down to the pub."

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