Tardebigge lock wall at risk of imminent collapse

A WALL OF THE top lock of Tardebigge Flight on the Worcester & Birmingham Canal is in the risk of imminent collapse.

With the waterway now closed and expected to be for many months, Keith Gudgin reports.

Bulging

The wall is bulging and so has been investigated and discovered to be in very poor condition, with Canal & River Trust telling it is in the risk of imminent collapse.

Emergency work is now to be undertaken to stabilise the wall, after which it will be carefully dismantled in preparation for its reconstruction, that is expected take most, if not all of the coming season.

During this time the navigation and towpath will remain closed until the repair work is completed, with the trust telling that it realises that this is a significant inconvenience for boaters and businesses alike, but "be assured that resolving this issue is our absolute priority."

It was last October when it was first discovered the wall of the lock was bulging, with a restriction notice in place for boats over 6ft 10ins.

Appears stable

The lock wall has been surveyed several times and appears to be stable, but there is concern about the actual thickness of the wall that could have bearing on its stability.

It now requires a more invasive investigation that involves digging down at the back of the wall to see its exact construction, then determining the extent of the necessary repairs.