Tested to use excavators

Volunteer excavator operators of the Wey & Arun Canal Trust have been tested on the practice and theory for the safe use of those over 10 tonnes.

Five people who work at the Gennets Bridge Lock construction site near Loxwood, on the restoration of the waterway have had some expert instruction, with Eric Walker MBE, Project Manager at the lock, explaining:

"The use of the diggers is a vital part of restoring this canal. “Here at Gennets Bridge Lock we get lots of visitors walking along the towpath from the Canal Centre in Loxwood and they are amazed at what has been achieved by the volunteers, and the use of excavators is an essential part of that work.”

Though the Trust has its own excavators, these are at present at the Compasses Bridge restoration project, the one in the picture being an hired machine.

The Construction Plant Competence Scheme instructor Alan Dougharty, of Accredited Plant Training at Hadfold Farm, praised:

Good result

“This is a good result for the volunteers, who are in the older age bracket and do not do this full time.”

This Easter, with the better weather, the volunteers will be excavating a winding hole, anticipating the trip boats travelling up from the Loxwood Canal Centre once the next part of the canal is restored and reopened.