Swingers

No, not the type you might think(!) but those lock gates that won't stay shut. That's what we call them—Swingers. Writes Kevin McNiff. Here we go again on the blame CaRT soap box, and I hope some of the other readers feel the same.

Over 25 years

At Fradley Wood End lock the bottom gates have done this for over 25 years. The solution installed by Central Shires possibly replaces that of using a boat pole?

Now the 'old way' of drawing a paddle while then going back to shut the errant gate is perhaps more risky unless the boat is held in gear against the cill buffer, for to float back could result in the rudder jamming in the mitre. Indeed, many of the time and labour saving methods of old are either forgotten or frowned upon.

It may be more cost effective to install this solution [A rod to keep the gate closed] than we give credit for.