Dudbridge Lock – The End
Dudbridge Lock – The End
by: Andy P.
A dudbridge grill panel had been badly damaged a while ago during the distant flooding. It had been taken out and straightened at the depot. It was drilled and bolted to the floor and Chris P made some spacers to fill the top gap. So hopefully it will now be stronger.
We cleared the Godwin pump hoses to Brimscombe, the Heras fencing to Newtown lock and then started to turn around a very heavy welfare unit, so it could be towed back to the depot for some remedial works. It has served us well.
With the help of Chris K the unit was finally turned around ready for the truck to drive very carefully back up the towpath. It was much easier than the original journey. The towpath is now clear but we ran out of time and equipment to give it all a good brush. Hopefully the bottom stop planks will be removed by the boat crews and the lock reopened.
Bob, our team leader, would like to thank everybody for their support on this very difficult project especially our regular core group Andy, Duncan and Matthew who have turned out 2 and 3 days a week to expedite this work, despite difficulties distancing in the current pandemic. Also involved has been Maurice, Richard, Alan and Bob K.
Through our volunteer efforts we have saved the canal thousands of pounds, which the canal operators could ill afford. Thanks also to the neighbour’s for their forbearance with noise, dust and general disruption and Alvin Lindley, the owner of the old Stroud metal works for allowing us the use of their land for parking and loading.
It will be good to see boats travelling safely through the lock once again. Also thanks to the weather organiser for giving us lots of opportunities to get very hot but stay dry.
~ THE END ~
