Historic lock to re-open its gates
On Friday 26th September, the Droitwich Canals Partnership will be celebrating the restoration of the 155 year old Barge Lock which links the Junction Canal with the Barge Canal in Droitwich.
Teams of Waterway Recovery Group volunteers from across the UK spent their summer holidays dredging the lock, re-pointing and repairing the brickwork and installing the necessary lock features (ladders and bollards) needed for it to become a working lock once again. Once completed, British Waterways installed the new lock gates. The Waterways Trust and Inland Waterways Association led the campaign to raise the funds needed to restore the historic lock. Roger Hanbury, The Waterways Trust Chief Executive, said: “Restoration of the lock is fundamental to the plans to re-open the Droitwich Canals. We are extremely grateful to the Waterway Recovery Group for all their hard work and to the waterways enthusiasts from across the UK who have given their support to the appeal – both in time and money.” John Fletcher, Inland Waterways Association Chairman, said: “The Inland Waterways Association is delighted to have been able to play such an active part in the restoration of the Barge Lock and to be able to help save this crucial piece of waterway heritage.” Key facts
• The Barge Lock provides access to the River Salwarpe in Droitwich Spa, Worcestershire.
• It was constructed in 1854 from red brick with sandstone copings and is 4.9m wide and 24m long between corresponding pairs of gates.
• The construction of the lock and Junction Canal were hugely significant developments for the town as they provided a direct link from Droitwich to the Worcester & Birmingham Canal and the inland waterway network of the Midlands.
• The lock was unusual in having two sets of gates at each end, arranged so that boats could rise or fall when entering the river depending on the relative level of the river. Be part of it
Waterways supporters and Worcestershire residents and businesses can still be part of this nationally important project by making a donation to the canal restoration appeal. Visit www.thewaterwaystrust.org.uk or call 01452 318098 for information. The restoration of the Droitwich Canals will see the creation of a 21-mile linear park and canal loop, establishing new wildlife habitats and preserving 40 heritage structures. Once complete it will generate over 320,000 new visits to the area within five years with an additional spend of £2.75m per year in the local economy.
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