Monday, 12 March 2012

Let's hope these leaky gates have now been fixed

One reason for the canals' current water supply problems is the poor state of some of the lock gates. This was on the Watford Staircase last June.


A boat was almost submerged by the torrent of water gushing through from the lock above. See where the steerer is standing! I wrote about what happened here. The gates were due to be replaced later in the season.

Of course, the biggest problem is the current drought. I fear the rain we had a couple of days ago will soon be a distant memory.

4 comments:

No Direction said...

If you have a full length boat the Lock Keeper leaves the lock above empty to avoid sinking you.

Anonymous said...

That's an alarming photo - looks like a hire boat too - I hope they weren't put off boating!

Sue, nb Indigo Dream

Sarah said...

If he'd had a trad stern he could have shut the doors behind him and kept everything dry - more evidence for your boat choice Halfie!

Halfie said...

Ray, I think that's what the lockie was aiming for, but we were too efficient and arrived too soon.

Sue, they'll look back on it in a few years' time and laugh about it - I hope!

Sarah, fear not - it will definitely have a trad stern.