One of the head paddles has blown and been partially sucked into the paddle chamber, making the lock unusable.

Boaters with bookings for the summit who are likely to be affected by this stoppage should contact the Red Bull Office.

British Waterways are carrying out urgent repair work on lock 18 on the Rochdale Canal and the canal will be closed for the rest of today, Tuesday 19th April 2011.

Their aim is to have this section of canal reopened by early this evening.