Indicators on the locks

Published: Friday, 30 July 2010

DAVID has missed the indicators with regards to locks on the Nene. The lock 'Slackers' (Nene term for paddles, changes to 'Penstocks' on the Levels) are fitted with indicators to show the position of the slacker, writes K Alexander-Duggan.

This is mounted on the slacker post, below the level of the beam.  (As can be seen in the photograph.) This is a marker running in a slot between to marks on the post. As for the guillotine gate it can be worked by hand just by taking the cover off and using a windlass on the end of the motor shaft. This is what is done by EA on the rare times they are called out (Under a hour on average).

Arm in shocking state of repair

Many Nene users will tell you that Northampton Arm [BW] is in a shocking state of repair. Pounds 2,3,4 leak so much, that the following day the pounds need to be refilled. When you come up the arm, look to the field to the right and note how green it is after weeks of dry weather.

The EA has spent a great deal of money on the Nene over the last few years. On the Nene we can see where our money has gone unlike BW. On a final note, just four locks are waiting to be converted to electric power and this should be done over the next two years.