Work under way on canal lock
INDIVIDUALLY HAND-CRAFTED GATES PUT IN
SPECIALIST barges and barriers have been installed on the canal in Leicester ahead of essential maintenance work.
The Canal and River Trust, which looks after waterways, said the work includes replacing the gates at Blue Bank Lock, Glen Parva.
The gates, which are of oak and steel, have been leaking so new ones are needed to minimise water loss.
A spokesman for the charity said the team was unable to get a crane to the lockside and faced the extra challenge of getting the gate in the right position while the lock remained in the water.
A total of 99 hand-crafted lock gate leaves are due to be replaced across the country this winter.
Each is unique, fitted to the exact specifications for each lock, and can take over a month to construct.
Phil Mulligan, regional director at the trust, said: “Set against the challenges of the pandemic, and with research showing being by the water improves wellbeing, it has never been more important to keep the waterways open and available.
“Our waterways have a vital role in helping to safeguard the physical and mental health of people living in the region.”
The Blue Bank Lock works coincide with a separate project, starting in mid-November, to improve Blue Bank Bridge and provide better access on to the canal towpath.
The work is being carried out in partnership with Leicester City Council.