An MP is demanding answers from Leeds-Liverpool Canal bosses over the waterway’s closure.

Skipton Tory MP Julian Smith has been lobbied by canal users fearful that a long closure would affect their businesses.

A 60-mile section of the canal north of Gargrave, near Skipton, was barred to traffic on Monday by British Waterways, which was concerned there was not enough water in the canal’s feeder reservoirs.

One hire-boat business boss, Lee Shepherd, has shipped his vessels from Hapton Valley locks, where he was ‘marooned’, to Apperley Bridge marina in Bradford.

Mr Smith has written to the chief executive of British Waterways demanding to know what measures he has taken to minimise the impact of the closure on businesses. And he wants answers over what measures could be taken to mitigate the problems in future.

He said: “In particular, there are concerns there has been a leak from the stretch of the canal which has been closed and that British Waterways has been aware of it but done nothing to mitigate it.”

He also wants to know how long the closure will last and whether the chief executive would be prepared to meet him and people affected to discuss the situation.

A British Waterways spokesman said: “Our chief executive, Robin Evans, has received a letter from Julian Smith. Following investigation into the questions raised, Robin will reply direct to the MP.”