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New gates for Burnt Mill Lock

9th Nov 2011

Burnt Mill Lock on the River Stort in Harlow will be having its gates replaced on Friday, as part of British Waterways’ five-week project to renovate the lock.

The current lock gates have been in place for 22-years, which is about the normal lifespan of a lock gate. They will be craned out and replaced by new, three-tonne steel and oak gates, which have been hand-crafted to fit the lock In British Waterways specialist lock gate workshops.

Preserving historic canals and rivers

British Waterways’ Senior Waterway Engineer Tony Sims said: “The repairs taking place at Burnt Mill Lock are part and parcel of what we at British Waterways do. We take pride in knowing that the work we undertake now enables the public to enjoy the historic waterways for many more years to come.”

Burnt Mill Lock on the River Stort was first built between 1776 and 1779 as a turf-sided lock, and was rebuilt in brick and concrete in 1913, in order to prevent wastage from water seeping through the turf.

It is being renovated as part of British Waterways £50 million essential works programme being carried out across its network of canals and rivers. In some locations, British Waterways is holding open days, where the public can get a look behind the scenes of the works. To find out more, visit www.waterscape.com/canalopendays.

Last updated: 09/11/2011

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