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Liverpool lock keepers win award

2nd Dec 2010

The Hotel Boat section of the Association of Pleasure Craft Operators (APCO) has awarded its prestigious ‘Lock Keeper of the Year’ award for 2009/10 to the British Waterways’ Liverpool Link Team.

The nominees are voted for by all APCO Hotel Boat operators so that they can recognise the support and assistance they receive from the people working ‘on the ground’ as they take holiday makers around Britain’s canals and rivers. The award was presented at the Association’s recent national AGM, held this year coincidently at Albert Dock, Liverpool.

Emma Fearnley, chairman of the Hotel Boat section of APCO, presented the award to British Waterways’ Liverpool Canal Link Lock Keeping Team comprising Phil Bather, Daniel Russell, Frank Tennant, Stephen Bergquist (Link Team supervisor) and Andy Goudie (harbourmaster, Albert Dock).

Giving a great welcome

Emma praised the British Waterways team for their hard work, humour and commitment, commenting: “The Liverpool Link Team assist boats through the swing bridges of the Leeds & Liverpool canal as they approach the city, and then work them through the locks of the Liverpool Canal Link.

"They give a great welcome to boat crews and holiday makers to Liverpool, introducing them to the Pier Head and sights and provide a wealth of useful information about the city - and help ensure we maintain our schedules as our guests enjoy the fascinating and spectacular cruise through the Liverpool Link and in to the South Docks.”

The Canal Link was constructed as part of a £22m project to extend the Leeds & Liverpool Canal through to the South Docks, and the role of lock keeper is an example of some of the new jobs created during the two years the canal has been in operation. In summer months the Link Team focuses on assisting the passage of boats through the canal; this winter the Lock Keepers are working on canal maintenance projects using their extensive construction industry skills.

Last updated: 02/12/2010

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