Canal & River Trust has announced a major programme of winter repairs across the West Midlands canal network, with lock gate replacements, bridge repairs and work to reduce water loss among the priorities following an exceptionally dry summer.
Waterways charity Canal & River Trust is preparing to carry out a significant programme of repairs and maintenance across the West Midlands canal network this winter, helping to strengthen the resilience of the region’s historic waterways and protect them for the future.
The charity’s construction team will undertake essential work including lock gate replacements, bridge repairs and measures to reduce water loss. The projects form part of a wider investment programme across England and Wales aimed at protecting and preserving the nation’s historic canal network.
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Following an exceptionally dry summer, maintaining reliable water supplies and resilient canal infrastructure remains a key priority. The winter works will address ageing assets, reduce water loss and help ensure the network is better equipped to meet future challenges.
Lock gate replacements at Hatton and Curdworth
Among the major projects planned across the West Midlands are the replacement of top and bottom lock gates at Hatton Locks on the Grand Union Canal and Curdworth Locks on the Birmingham & Fazeley Canal.
These renewals will support the continued safe and reliable operation of the locks for boaters.
Caldon Canal wall repairs and measures to conserve water
On the Caldon Canal in Staffordshire, the Trust will repair a section of a centuries-old wall that forms the edge of the canal and supports the towpath.
The work will help protect both the waterway and its surrounding infrastructure.
Elsewhere, projects on the Coventry Canal and Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal will tackle water seepage through canal banks and lock chambers.
These measures are intended to conserve water and improve the long-term resilience of the network, an increasingly important consideration following periods of dry weather.
Improvements at Stourbridge and Stratford-upon-Avon
On the Stourbridge Canal, the Trust will undertake repairs to lock infrastructure, helping to improve reliability on one of the Black Country’s best-loved waterways.
Meanwhile, essential repairs at River Lock in Stratford-upon-Avon will help ensure the lock continues to operate safely and efficiently for boaters travelling to and from the historic market town.
Protecting canals for future generations
Henriette Breukelaar, director of Midlands at Canal & River Trust, said:
“Our canals play an important role in communities across the West Midlands, providing spaces for recreation, supporting wildlife and connecting people with their local heritage. This winter, we’re delivering a significant programme of investment to strengthen the resilience of the network, improve water resilience and ensure our canals remain open and operational for the future.
“From replacing lock gates and repairing walls to reducing water seepage and improving water efficiency, these projects will help safeguard the canal network against the impacts of climate change while preserving it for future generations. While some temporary closures are necessary to carry out this work safely, undertaking major repairs during the quieter winter months helps minimise disruption for boaters and local communities.”
The winter works form part of Canal & River Trust’s ongoing investment in a historic waterway network that is more than 250 years old.
Through essential repairs, renewals and improvements, the charity is working to safeguard the canals for boaters, local communities, wildlife and businesses long into the future.
For more information about the charity’s work, visit Canal & River Trust.
