The Canal & River Trust, the charity that cares for the scheduled monument on the Grand Union Canal, is repairing the gates at locks 92 and 96, to ensure they are water tight for the thousands of boaters who pass through them each year.
The work is part of the charity's five-month winter maintenance programme to repair and restore canals and rivers across the country.
Created in 1794, Hanwell Flight is a series of six locks, which raises the canal by 53 feet in a third-of-a-mile. They are home to a range of local wildlife, as well as the distinctive Three Bridges designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel.
Top condition, top destination
Graham Smith, Canal & River Trust supervisor, says: “Hanwell Flight is one of the most popular canal locations in London and it's important to keep it in top condition. The lock gates suffer wear and tear over the years, so this work is being done to re-enforce them, ensuring they work efficiently for boaters. The work should be completed this week, well ahead of the busier boating season which usually starts in the spring.”
To find out more about the Restoration & Repairs programme and the open days happening across the country go to canalrivertrust.org.uk/winter-open-days-201415
More information about Hanwell Flight is available at canalrivertrust.org.uk/canals-and-rivers/places-to-visit/destination/65/hanwell-lock-flight
