Guillotine lock repaired

IT WAS the result of vandalism that prompted the repair to the  guillotine lock at Kings Norton on the Stratford-upon-Avon Canal, that will be officially unveiled by Timothy West.

The unveiling of the £200,000 restoration of the Grade II listed and scheduled ancient monument, was made possible thanks to funding from the People's Postcode Lottery, and will take place on 30th April.

Second time

This is the second time that this now unused lock has been repaired in the last few years, as a result of vandalism, it being so in December 2012, and as many boaters know the junction at Kings Norton is a favourite place for vandals throwing stones at passing boats, so alas, it seems possible it will soon be vandalised yet again.

The opening ceremony will take place by Timothy West and various dignitaries, on the working boat, Scorpio.

Timothy, a boater himself, enthused:

"It's such a pleasure to see projects like this bringing our wonderful heritage back to life. My family and I have taken so much enjoyment from our canals and rivers for so many years that it's comforting to know that another important part of our waterway heritage will be preserved for future generations."

The refurbishment project saw repairs to the brickwork, both in the lock and around the lock gate structure using traditional methods to ensure the work is carried out in keeping with its heritage. During the works, the local community had the opportunity to walk down into the empty chamber to view the works taking place.