Newtown Lock Feb 2024 – The Voids
Newtown Lock Feb 2024 – The Voids
by: Andy P.
At long last we were able to get inside the lock chamber and start the scaffolding. Only those with the longest legs (Jon P) were able to move more easily in the middle of the chamber. We also found a newish stop plank in the silt, but despite lots of bodies we did not manage to lift it out.
Unfortunately on a Monday morning we arrived to find the lock chamber full of water. Long hours, pulling, hitting and scratching of heads led to the conclusion that the stop planks had lifted despite the wedges we had fitted. Bottle jacking just did not work either. Stuart made an appearance to help the situation.
After lifting the sandbags and the tarpaulin and jacking the planks back down, a sufficient sort of seal was remade. Several days wasted and lessons learned.
There had been an indication that there were voids in places behind the brick facing wall possibly as a result of the air bricks that had been fitted sometime in the 90’s.
So with some apprehension we started to cut out the towpath ladder recess and found something no one would ever have guessed or anticipated. About 1m down below a concrete cap, there appeared a void-more like brick rubble infill. Oh dear was the cry-something like that anyway. More head scratching and lots of questions.
Clearing the bricks we found the back wall of the original lock
We decided to check the other side and started to cut out the ladder recess. Yes we found the same issue. Head scratching again. We needed a new plan quickly.
Inspecting a possible air brick we hit a small clear water flow from behind the wall but it only last a few minutes
We continued to cut down the wall and found another concrete layer. Tough stuff to remove in slices with the brick saw and heavy breaker. A good upper body workout.
Finally the off side recess was completed but it is a mucky old job
But at least the snowdrops looked nice.
A trial pit was dug for the 3rd time to see the back wall of the lock and how far it went. About 3 feet!
Being a remote location we buy our own tea bags, milk and biscuits. But on one fine day the biscuit fairy arrived with 2 tins and a packet of biscuits. Fred you are a marvellous person and we thank you a great deal.
