FANS OF the historic waterways of Audlem will have to wait another year to enjoy the Gathering of Historic Boats thanks to the four-week extension of social-distancing restrictions.

Since 2009 Audlem has held a gathering of historic ex-working boats from across Britain and it was hoped this year would see at least 30 narrow boats visit, dating from the 1900s through to 1960.

This year's event was due to be held on the weekend of July24-25, but with the recent four-week extension of social-distancing restrictions, the event has been cancelled.

Event organisers Peter and Christine Silvester said cancelling the event was because of uncertainty over Covid restrictions.

They said: "As you will know, the government has postponed the removal of Covid restrictions until 19 July – at the earliest.

"The Downing Street briefing on Monday evening also particularly highlighted the significant, and growing, number of cases of Covid in the north west.

"In these circumstances, it is impractical to go ahead with this year's Gathering of Historic Boats at Audlem on July 24-25.

"Beside the work and expense that would need to be committed over the next few weeks, there can be no guarantee that the date will not be put back again.

"We are also very concerned about the significant growth in Covid cases anticipated in the north west over the next few weeks.

"We are therefore sorry to announce that we must cancel this year's event.

"Hopefully, it can go ahead as normal in July next year."