We're investing around £2.4 million over the coming months replacing 41 handcrafted lock gates and carrying out repairs to historic canal structures. The works will start in November and continue until next March.
The programme includes:
- An extensive programme of works along the Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal including new bottom gates at Locks 1 and 2 on the canal at Stourport on Severn, grouting to stop leaks at lock number 30 at Wightwick Mill and repairs to the wall at Lock 37 in Penkridge
- Repairs to stop leaks at Lock 1 and 2 along the Caldon Canal as well as new gates at lock number 12
- Brickwork repairs, lock ladder works and lock gate repairs and replacement along the Dudley No 1 Canal at lock numbers 2 and 8
- Rebuilding of a weir along the Coventry Canal
- Repairs to the bed of the canal near Adderley Lock on the Shropshire Union Canal as well as new gates at locks number 2 to 4
Adnan Saif, regional director, said: “Research tells us that time spent by the water can help us all 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 the region's 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 West 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 our canals this winter, visit our stoppages and notices section.
