Our construction team will undertake essential repairs during the winter, including lock gate replacements, bridge repairs and work to reduce water loss. The projects form part of a wider investment programme across England and Wales to protect and preserve our historic canal network.
Addressing ageing assets
Following an exceptionally dry summer, maintaining reliable water supplies and resilient canal infrastructure remains a key priority. The winter works will address ageing assets, reduce water loss and ensure the network is better equipped to meet future challenges.
Across the West Midlands, projects include the replacement of top and bottom lock gates at Hatton Locks on the Grand Union Canal and Curdworth Locks on the Birmingham & Fazeley Canal. These renewals will support the continued safe and reliable operation of the locks for boaters.
On the Caldon Canal in Staffordshire, we will repair a section of a centuries-old wall that forms the edge of the canal and supports the towpath, helping to protect both the waterway and surrounding infrastructure. Elsewhere, projects on the Coventry Canal and Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal will reduce water seepage through canal banks and lock chambers, helping to conserve water and strengthen the long-term resilience of the network.
On the Stourbridge Canal, we will carry out repairs to lock infrastructure, helping to improve reliability on one of the Black Country's best-loved waterways. Meanwhile, at River Lock in Stratford-upon-Avon, essential repairs will ensure the lock continues to operate safely and efficiently for boaters travelling to and from the historic market town.
Investing in resiliance
Henriette Breukelaar, our director of Midlands, said: “Our canals play an important role in communities across the West Midlands, providing spaces for recreation, supporting wildlife and connecting people with their local heritage. This winter, we're delivering a significant programme of investment to strengthen the resilience of the network, improve water resilience and ensure our canals remain open and operational for the future.
“From replacing lock gates and repairing walls to reducing water seepage and improving water efficiency, these projects will help safeguard the canal network against the impacts of climate change while preserving it for future generations. While some temporary closures are necessary to carry out this work safely, undertaking major repairs during the quieter winter months helps minimise disruption for boaters and local communities."
The winter works form part of our ongoing investment in a historic waterway network that is more than 250 years old. Through essential repairs, renewals and improvements, we're working to safeguard our waterways for boaters, local communities, wildlife and businesses long into the future.
