Sun rises on a new national lockdown at Lemonroyd Lock

A popular spot with anglers, walkers, runners and narrowboat owners, Lemonroyd Lock is on the Aire & Calder Navigation, which was built to connect Leeds to the Humber and the North Sea.

As the Canal and River Trust explains: “Unique to this navigation were Tom Puddings, huge open containers for carrying coal, linked together and pushed along by tugs.

“The waterway still carries commercial traffic but today it makes its way through peaceful countryside.”

Lockdown is affecting huge aspects of everyone’s lives and that is also true of the use of the canal.

With people told to avoid non-essential travel until December 2 and overnight stays limited to work purposes as part of the new attempts to reduce the spread of Covid-19, the new rules of the English lockdown state that all navigation in England should be limited to essential use only.

Boat owners are not allowed to take short overnight breaks on their craft during this period, while those living aboard are advised to limit their movements to a minimum – either to access essential services or move to a quieter mooring if the towpath is too busy for them.

The news is more positive for those who wish to walk the local towpaths and get some exercise, which unlike the spring lockdown remains unlimited.

However, the Canal & River Trust has reminded people to keep their distance from other people and moored boats where people may be living.

The trust advises: “Enjoy your local canal but please follow the latest Government advice, including advice around social distancing.

“Our plea to everyone thinking of visiting our canals and river navigations is to act always with consideration and respect for other users.”

Hopefully, in a few weeks, the sun will be rising on a much more positive situation in the nation’s fight against coronavirus.

Picture: Simon Hulme

Technical information: Nikon D5 camera, 1/60 sec, f/7.1, ISO 400.

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