In June 1895, Smith, acting for the canal, gave notice to the collieries that the gates of the locks above Stanton would be locked shut, as large amounts of rent were outstanding. The company attempted to obtain an Act of Abandonment in February 1896. The action was opposed by Manners Colliery, West Hallam Colliery, the Erewash Canal, the Grand Junction Canal, and a number of councils. Evidence was heard in March 1896, by which time £1,258 had been spent, and the canal company decided to withdraw the bill, rather than run up more debts. The middle section of the canal was bypassed by a pipe, laid under the towpath, to ensure Stanton Ironworks still had a supply of water. No further action to repair the canal was taken.