Get those Erewash anti-vandal locks replaced

Published: Monday, 26 September 2022

TIME and time again the Erewash Canal is closed to boating as vandals have opened paddles and drained pounds.

It occurred yet again over the week-end—twice, Keith Gudgin reports.

Vandalism overnight

The two pounds from Pastures Lock to Hallam Fields Lock, Canal & River Trust state were drained on Saturday, it mainlining what looks to be vandalism overnight.

It adding that there was a repeat on Sunday that delayed the reopening of the pounds and that the level still being low could affect boat movement.

There has always been such vandalism around Ilkeston on the Erewash Canal, but with the coming of computers and mobile phones this slackened, but over the past few year has become more of a problem.

erewashDrainedLocks in place

It was in 1998 when we first cruised the Erewash to Langley Mill with no problems, but all the anti-vandal paddle locks were in place.

But wear and tear has resulted in many not now working, allowing vandals free rein to drain pounds.

Which was shown when we cruised the waterway again two years agomeeting an empty pound being filled, as pictured.

Good advice

Keith gives the trust a bit of good advice when he remarksWill CaRT never learn that they need to replace the missing/broken anti-vandal locks on this canal!

There does not seem much hope of that, Keith, for it's only us boaters who are suffering...