A FARMER has drained part of Rochdale Canal in a bid to end a long wrangle over access to his farm.

Chris Jones, of Maden Fold Farm, Castleton, claims he drained a nearby lock in protest over issues involving rights of way.

For four years father-of-two Mr Jones has tried unsuccessfully t to resolve the matter with Rochdale council and British Waterways.

He said a council officer told him three weeks ago that a meeting would be arranged to discuss the matter, but he had not heard anything since.

Mr Jones, 38, said: "I let the water out because I want an end to the matter and I'm getting absolutely nowhere.

"The water was let into an overspill and there is enough for the fish to survive. Witholding someone's access for 41/2 years is not right. British Waterways won't speak to me."

A council spokesman said: "We are aware of Mr Jones's concerns and are doing our best to resolve them."

British Waterways was unavailable for comment.