16 new gates for Caen Hill

OVER the the next 12 weeks 16 new lock gates are to be installed on the famous Caen Hill Flight on the Kennet & Avon Canal at Devizes.

This is part of British Waterways' half a million pound winter maintenance works programme for the canal, which this year celebrates its bicentenary.

Mark Stephens, British Waterways' Waterway Manager, Kennet & Avon Canal relates:

"It's fantastic to see this unique heritage structure receiving some special care and attention ahead of the celebrations for its 200th birthday. Not only are there works going on at Caen Hill Flight, but we have also carried out significant works at Widmead and Garston locks on the canal.

"Whilst the canal looks tranquil, in the background we are working hard to ensure that the waterway keeps running smoothly. Water control is one of our priorities and we are currently dealing with increased levels in the river sections due to the rapid melt of snow. During the drier summer months, the new lock gates that are being installed at Caen Hill will help us to conserve water by reducing leakage down the flight. Further gate replacements on Caen Hill will be undertaken during the winter of 2010/2011."

Fish rescued

Before the new gates arrive on-site the old, damaged gates must be removed, and to do so the canal will be drained, lock pound, at a time, with any fish out of water rescued and re-homed further along the length of the canal. The empty lock chambers will be inspected; repair works to the brick work will take place and the lock mechanisms will be checked, oiled and greased ready to receive the new gates.

British Waterways tells us: 'The programme is part of £100 millions spent each year by British Waterways maintaining the network and is funded through a combination of Government grants and the income British Waterways generates from things such as property and boat licences'.

Significant improvement

Jim Stirling, British Waterways' Technical Director, relates:

"There has been a significant improvement in the condition of British Waterways' locks, bridges, aqueducts and canal embankments in recent years, and the network is busier than at any time in living memory.

"This winter we are prioritising spend to ensure more than £60 million of winter works. As well as undertaking vital repairs and maintenance we will also be carrying out the essential inspections that are necessary to ensure the continuing health of our canals and rivers."

[We believe that many will disagree with Jim's remark that there has been 'significant improvement in the condition of British Waterways' locks, bridges, aqueducts and canal embankments in recent years.' Both the NABO poll and ours, and the many photographs of the state of the waterways,  clearly  show this is not true.]