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Crowds flock to see drained locks
More than 7,000 people turned out this weekend for a rare opportunity to descend into the bottom of Bingley Five Rise Locks, which had been drained for repairs. British Waterways held open days on Saturday and Sunday to give visitors a behind-the-scenes look at lock gate replacement work.
Several thousand people on each day braved the cold weather and queued patiently for a glimpse inside the locks. They entered the locks down scaffolding staircases and were given a tour of the skilled work that goes into preserving this 200-year-old structure. Further staircases allowed them to descend from one lock of the steep flight to the next. A water bus service carried visitors to and from the site by canal.
Engineering marvel
Visitor Eddy Overson said: “It was a superb afternoon. Thank you for the wonderful opportunity to walk through this engineering marvel. My thanks to the team who organised the open days, and to the friendly on-site staff who admirably assisted in making this visit a day to remember.”
The iconic staircase flight on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal was having four of its gates replaced. At 25 years old, the gates had reached the end of their working life. The brickwork was also being repaired, using a traditional lime mortar, rather than modern cement.
British Waterways is holding more Canal Open Days at locations across the country. Find a Canal Open Day near you.
Last updated: 02/02/2012
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