Swingers Update

JUST to set the record straight, regarding the Kevin McNiff article 'Swingers' writes Ralph Freeman.

The gates on and around the Fradley flight were refurbished around 2005/7 by the then British Waterways and since that time many of the bottom gates have been very heavy to operate (too heavy for some of the fairer sex) and refuse to stay shut.

Leaning back

Colwich Lock further upstream was the same. The reason would appear to be the gates were installed 'leaning back' instead of near vertical, so that closing the gate involves actually 'lifting' the gate too. Gravity would then ensure that the gate swings open as soon as the gate was released by the operator. So this situation is not inherent and is a maintenance/installation error.

Earlier this year, the bottom gates of Woodend Lock were re-fitted and aligned properly with the result they are now much easier to operate and stay shut. So if Kevin McNiff is correct, boaters (particularly hire boaters) have struggled with this lock for 25 years for no apparent reason! If the gates are installed properly, as originally designed, then it appears there is not a problem after all.