 The date when the Hatherton Branch and the Churchbridge locks ceased to be used is given as 1949 by Hadfield and 1953 by Shill, but in either case, the junction closed around this time.By 1958, a concrete barrier had been built at the top lock of the Churchbridge flight, to prevent loss of water through the locks.The Cannock Extension Canal was increasingly affected by subsidence from the coal mines it served, and the northern section, including Rumer Hill Junction, closed in 1963.