DIVERS have taken to the water of the Kennet & Avon Canal in Thatcham as the Canal & River Trust carries out repairs to Colthrop Lock.
One of the busiest on the river section of the canal, the lock had developed leaks caused by general wear and tear. The trust prioritised work to fix the leaks and ensure the lock remains safe and available to boaters.
Area operations manager Rob Coles said: “Colthrop Lock is in daily use by boaters and it was a priority to get it fixed quickly. Instead of draining the canal we’ve been able to send in divers to help make a repair and plan the works required later this year when the lock gates are replaced.
With much of the damage below the waterline, instead of draining the canal, a specialist dive team took to the water on June 7 to carry out an inspection and underwater repair work. This helped minimise disruption for boaters, as the navigation didn’t have to be dammed and drained.
The works cost around £5000 and involved divers and local colleagues from the trust who provided repair materials, support and welfare and who took the opportunity to re-anchor a mooring bollard that had come loose.
Following the inspection, the divers repaired leaks in the gate’s planks. They also discovered an issue with the seal at the bottom of the lock, which will require a further plan of work which can be incorporated into the project when the locks gates, being manufactured at the trust’s workshop, are replaced later this year.
The repairs follow recent dredging and significant bank repairs caused by the recent flooding over the winter period and have made a significant improvement to the lock operation. Local teams will continue to monitor the locks performance and schedule more repairs if required.
PHOTO: CANAL & RIVER TRUST
