Two more closures on the Kennet & Avon Canal

FOLLOWING the two closures last month on the Kennet & Avon Canal, this month starts with two more.

Benham Lock (82) at Enborne has suffered a gate failure of a downstream lock gate with the quoin, collar and anchor all having 'sustained damage'. Keith Gudgin reports.

Pass the blame

The 'damage' is of course wear and tear over the years, but the policy now is to pass the blame.

This means the lock cannot be operated but the contractors are 'working up a method of repair', with more information promised next Tuesday.

Further stoppage

The further stoppage is the failure of Aldermaston Wharf Lift bridge (28) (pictured) that needs the stoppage to ' carry out some essential maintenance'.

With boaters not blamed, as most likely it is maintenance that should have been carried out last winter.