Not a maintenance problem

Published: Wednesday, 24 November 2010

IT IS fairly clear that the problem, which led to the pound between Bedford Staircase Locks and Planet Lock on the Caldon canal having to be drained, had nothing to do with BW maintenance procedures, writes Ralph Freeman.

It was a developer digging deep footings adjacent to the canal towpath at the location in question that caused the wall to collapse. The canal at that point is about a storey above the land under development, and an old brick retaining wall was apparently weakened during the excavation.

No additional support was provided to strengthen this retaining wall, whilst extensive groundwork took place around it's base, as can be seen from the photograph.

Not surprising

Looking at the situation, it was not too surprising then, that a large section of this wall collapsed and left the canal and towpath in a precarious state. BW had no option but to empty the pound to prevent a possible breach.

According to the stoppage notice issued by BW, the Developers have promised that a new supporting structure will be in place in three to four weeks. Maybe?