On Saturday 5 December from 10am-4pm, you'll have the rare opportunity to venture to the bottom of Wolverhampton Top Lock in central Wolverhampton.
The work at this Grade II listed structure will cost £55,000 in total and involve highly skilled craftsmanship. The lock's bottom gates are being replaced after more than 20 years' service and the top gates are being refitted and relined to reduce water leakage.
A fascinating showcase
The new gates, which were made at nearby Bradley lock gate workshop in Bilston, will arrive at the lock by boat as gates would have done during the industrial revolution.
With approximately 1,800 ‘lockages' (uses of the lock) recorded in 2014, the works are vital to ensuring that the 200 year old lock structure can still be used by boaters enjoying the BCN. The lock is due to be operational again by 11th December.
Ian Lane, waterway manager for the Canal & River Trust in the region said: “Our open days are a fascinating showcase which give local people the chance to get a behind-the-scenes look at some amazing craftsmanship. To walk along the bed of a 200 year old lock, see the waterways' original 18th century design and understand the scale of the work we do to care for it, is a real privilege.”
Wolverhampton Top Lock open day will be held on Saturday 5th December between 10am and 4pm in central Wolverhampton WV1 1LE. Please do wear sturdy shoes if you would like to go down into the lock.
