Too right!

THe article by James Henry about broken collars in only too right, writes Paula Drew.

We were cruising the Kennet & Avon and were held up for three days at Guyers Lock at Newbury, joining other boats held up at both sides, whilst Canal & River Trust considered its 'method of repair'.

And it wasn't the only stoppage in 2020 on the Kennet & Avon caused by broken collars as Dreweatts Lock and Hampstead Lock also suffered the same fate.

Terrible condition of the locks

Local boaters held up at Guyers told me of the terrible condition of the locks on the Kennet & Avon and that they are always breaking as they believe there is no maintenace, the trust just waiting until they break, that seems obvious by the number of collars, that can be seen if worn, but are not noticed until they break.

Then it is left to a boater to report them, causing delay to the boaters stuck there until they are eventually repaired.

What a way to run navigations.

[Today comes news of another broken collar this time at Sawley Lock—Editor.]