South Stratford closed until middle of June

THE WORK OF replacing the gates on Wilmcote Top Lock 40 on the South Stratford Canal will take another two months.

This work started on the 24th of January, it taking nearly five months to complete, Keith Gudgin reports.

Bottom lock gate

During January Canal & River Trust told that the bottom gate on the lock had suffered a loss of support from its anchor and a detachment of the quoin, rendering the gate inoperable. As a result, the gate is fouling on the lock invert and is at risk of detachment, posing a safety concern.

It then told that it was 'investigating how we can deliver the required repairs', with the lock then being closed to navigation.

It often explained that it was currently unable to provide a specific time frame for the re-opening of navigation, but we should rest assured it was  actively exploring a range of options to ensure the works are progressed in the most effective way possible. (The picture shows a part of Wilmcote Flight.)

Nothing actually done

Yet right up to this month, nothing was actually being done.

But at last we are now told that its contractors are on site and they are on course to complete their temporary works, including; Installation of temporary dams, trackway, towpath closure, fencing, propping of the lock and scaffolding. 

Adding it 'understands the disruption this closure is having so we are accelerating the work as much as possible including weekend working'. Yet it taking over three months before it actually started!