COTSWOLD CANALS - dredging and lock gate installation October 2017

26th September 2017 : dredger "Augustus Gloop" operated by teams of volunteers, had reached the "Point" at Wallbridge, where the Thames & Severn Canal joins the Stroudwater Navigation.
This area had become one of the most neglected and rubbish filled areas of Stroud, with neglected and obstructed towpath, lock chamber partly filled with building waste, used tyres, and debris. Certainly not the ideal route for the waters of the Slad Brook which it now carries, and which now bypass the lock chamber with a purpose built fish and eel pass.
Removal of the bund below the lock chamber and spot dredging and reed removal on the mile section from Foundry lock to Wallbridge had been achieved.
12th October 2017: the bottom set of gates are installed at Wallbridge Lower lock. The skills of the lock gate manufacturers - Messrs Hargreaves - and those of the Ellis Crane crew are a joy to watch.
A small group of youngsters from "The Shrubberies" maintained special school were carrying out supervised gardening duties near the head of the lock, and were treated to exciting moments as the lock gates and balance beams were lowered into place.
At the tail of the lock, contractors were continuing to build the steel structure which stabilises the previously sheared lower offside wing wall.
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