While I fully support the broad sentiment of the article [Senior project manager wanted to oversee Anderton Boat Lift repair], writes Daniel Hutchinson.
The unplanned downtime and lack of communication regarding timing of a reopening, is unacceptable, and the £15million restoration cost feels very high. I do feel there are two key points that have been missed.
Firstly, there are two issues at play here.
The gate lift cable which failed during routine testing in January and forced the current closure, and which for unexplained reasons had led to the decision to change the gate lift system which has worked for the last 23 years since the 2000-2002 restoration, to a lead-screw actuator based system.
The planned major overhaul, to amongst other things fully repaint the structure and replace the control system which is where the majority of the cost is, and has been delayed due to cost increases leading to a funding shortfall.
The two projects may at this point run concurrently, however they are otherwise quite separate issues.
Secondly, you report that the original (and likely larger) restoration in 2000-2002 was costed at £7million 'less than half this amount' however if you correct the figure for inflation using the Bank of England base rate the figure is £13million in todays money. Still less for more, but using the uncorrected value is misleading and erodes your otherwise valid argument.