Entry: 15th April 2019
A different approach, with experience gained from the rebuild of Lock 15, is being adopted for rebuilding of Lock 14. We’ve dispensed with firstly building the walls with concrete blocks – deciding to go straight in with the bricks. The lock walls are built up 600mm at a time, the concrete is poured in to that level, before building the wall up another 600mm, and another concrete pour. The weight of concrete is considerable – its weight would likely push the newly built walls over until it set. The concrete block walls of L15 were to prevent this happening. Without the blocks, wooden struts are placed between the lock chamber walls to brace the brickwork. This method of construction has proved beneficial in saving time and materials.
The invert (lock bottom), was also found to be in very poor condition. Following consultation with the heritage advisors and works engineers, the invert has been concreted. Mercian Archaeology, with volunteer input, have recorded original structures.
Chamber walls are progressing, and scaffolding has now been erected in the lock chamber to raise the working height. Volunteers have also been restoring the lock approach walls.
The community element of the project remains busy, with events, open days, youth group visits and a Schools’ Week planned at the canal depot.
The interpretation element to provide five engraved benches depicting a map and points of local interest, although fairly advanced in the planning, is currently stalled due to a staff vacancy within the Canal and River Trust.
