Tell CaRT when to repair the locks
IT IS most certainly a new approach, with Canal & River Trust actually asking boaters when it should repair two problem locks on the Rochdale Canal.
From the many complaints it has received concerning the operation of both Dukes Lock (92) at the start of the waterway in Manchester and Sowerby Bridge Lock (2) at the Sowerby Bridge end of the waterway, it realises that with boaters actually being unable to work the locks, such is their condition, something must be done, Keith Gudgin reveals.
Unable to work locks
It is understood that the floor of Lock 2 has risen, with the lock unable to hold water and Lock 92 also unable to hold water due to its condition, meaning that often the level cannot be kept high enough to enable the gates to be opened.
For an unexplained reason neither of these two locks were included in the normal winter stoppages, and the Trust is wanting boaters to tell it when would be the best time to undertake the work from a boating point of view.
Seeking views
CaRT tells that it already has grouting work for Lock 8 during January and February and state it is unlikely to be able to move this work, so is seeking views from boaters as to the most convenient time to undertake the work on the two locks.
The possible stoppage would take about four weeks, and boaters can either phone Red Bull office with suggestions on 0303 040 4040, or email your comments to