Vandalism drains waterways near Oundle in drought

demoduck.co.uk editorial team 2026-08-11 18:40 3 min read

A drained concrete canal waterway with industrial pipes and graffiti, Oundle, UK.

Waterway vandalism near Oundle is draining already depleted stretches of river, disrupting navigation and creating potentially life-threatening hazards during the drought, the Environment Agency has warned.

Residents who witness tampering or antisocial behaviour around locks, sluices and other agency assets should report it to the police and call the Environment Agency incident hotline on 0800 807060. People should not intervene themselves or enter the water near the structures.

The warning was published on 11 August 2026 as drought conditions affected Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire. According to the agency, interference with water-control equipment can rapidly lower upstream levels at a time when lost water may take much longer to replace.

Repeated damage at Ashton Lock

Ashton Lock, near Oundle, is among the worst-affected locations. Vandals damaged its winding wheel, which had to be removed for repair. A temporary replacement was installed but subsequently stolen, while the lock’s guillotine gate was also tampered with.

In another incident at the same lock, a life buoy and rope were removed from a safety station. The rope was used to hold the lock doors open before the guillotine gate was raised, allowing water upstream to drain away. The repeated incidents have been reported to police.

Vandalism drains waterways near Oundle in drought

The loss of a life buoy also removes emergency equipment from a location where currents, cold water and submerged infrastructure can place anyone entering the water in immediate difficulty.

River levels can fall quickly around Oundle Marina

Manually raising lock paddles has become a recurring problem on the River Nene. Opening them releases water from the river section above the lock, reducing the level available for boats, wildlife and surrounding habitats.

The stretch between Upper and Lower Barnwell locks is particularly vulnerable. It includes Oundle Marina, where some residents live aboard their boats. The Environment Agency says levels there can fall quickly and may take a long time to recover during drought.

Other reported behaviour includes attempts to force open control-panel boxes, people climbing on guillotine gates and individuals jumping into locks despite hidden hazards. Weed-cutting boats left on riverbanks during maintenance have also been climbed on or broken into.

Affected sites named by the agency include Northampton Town Lock, Whiston Lock, Billing Lock, Upper and Lower Wellingborough locks, Irthlingborough Lock, Denford Lock, Nine Arches Mooring, Lower Barnwell Lock, Elton Lock and Alwalton Lock.

Drought leaves less room to replace lost water

The confirmed effect of opening gates or paddles is a reduction in upstream water levels. The severity and recovery time vary by location, but the agency says drought makes water management harder and slows recovery on the most affected stretches.

Lincolnshire’s water levels are also being supported by the Trent Witham Ancholme scheme. If required, the system can pump the equivalent of 60 Olympic-sized swimming pools each day. It supports more than 100 abstraction licences held by water companies, farmers, industrial users and other licensed abstractors relying on the Rivers Ancholme and Witham.

The Environment Agency is working with farmers, growers and water companies on sustainable use during the dry weather. Measures include temporary limits on abstraction licences and support for transfers between abstractors. Decisions about hosepipe bans remain with individual water companies.

CCTV, volunteers and additional inspections deployed

The agency has placed volunteers at sites on the Great Ouse to discourage vandalism. CCTV operates at some locations, including systems connected to council control rooms and fitted with speakers, while regular and additional safety inspections are being conducted.

Ben Thornely, an Environment Agency area manager, said the vandalism was putting lives in danger and having serious consequences for wildlife and navigation during drought.

The public is advised never to jump or dive into inland waterways, where depths can change and hazards may be concealed. Locks, weirs, sluices and pipes can generate strong currents, while cold water can quickly cause cramp and breathing difficulties. Anyone seeing damage or tampering should contact the police and report it to the Environment Agency on 0800 807060.

Source: Environment Agency News

Context & actions About this article

Source check Source trail

This report is based on the Environment Agency warning published on 11 August 2026 and distinguishes confirmed incidents from wider safety guidance.

Checks

Confirmed the named incidents and damaged equipment at Ashton Lock.
Checked the affected River Nene locations listed by the Environment Agency.
Retained the agency's reporting number and published water-safety guidance.
Distinguished Environment Agency drought measures from hosepipe-ban decisions made by wate...

Environment Agency Check wider reporting