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The charity making life better by water

East Midlands’ waterways to get a winter makeover

Announcing the details of our programme of repairs on waterways across the East Midlands this winter.

workers tending to new lock gate in drained canal

We're investing around £800,000 over the coming months to replace a number of handcrafted lock gates and carry out repairs to historic waterway structures. The works will start in November and continue until next March.

The programme includes:

  • Replacing and repairing lock gates in Leicester – including new bottom gates at North Lock in Frog Island and gates at Belgrave and Birstall repaired and relined to ensure a watertight seal
  • An extensive programme of works at Foxton Locks including replacement of three sets of gates and repairs to gates and historic brickwork at several more
  • Refurbishment of Stamp End Lock in Lincoln – the only ‘guillotine' lock in the East Midlands, where the gate is lifted overhead rather than opening outwards like conventional gates
  • Repairs to damaged brickwork at Potters Bridge on the Erewash Canal
  • A new control system to open the giant gates at Holme Lock on the River Trent
  • Repairs to Sawley Flood Lock, which provides protection when the River Trent floods

Phil Mulligan, regional director, said: “Research tells us that time spent by the water can help us to feel happier and healthier so this programme of works is about far more than bricks and mortar."

“By investing this money over the winter months we'll not only be protecting the historic fabric of our waterways and making sure they're working well for boaters but we'll also be ensuring that local communities have safe, open waterways to enjoy."

“Our expert teams will be braving the elements to make sure the waterways, which play such an important part in so many people's daily lives, are in good working order.”

The lock gates on the East Midlands' waterways weigh several tonnes and typically last around 25 years. Each new gate is made to measure and handcrafted from seasoned oak so that it fits perfectly in the lock chamber.

For more information on the works planned on the nations canals this winter, visit our stoppages and notices section.

Two women eat lunch next to the canal

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Last Edited: 23 September 2019

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