A TEAM of divers were necessary to brave the cold to carry out the repairs to Torksey Lock that connects the tidal Trent with the Fossdyke & Witham Navigations.
Yesterday (Tuesday) they inspected and repaired a damaged ‘spear rod' that connects the lock operating mechanism to a paddle, but as the paddle is under water the Canal & River Trust called in a team of divers to investigate the full extent of the problem which revealed damage to a bolt connecting the rod to the paddle.
Main gateway
Sean McGinley, Waterway Manager for the Canal & River Trust explained:
"Torksey Lock is the main gateway for boaters wanting to explore Lincolnshire's waterways so it's important that we got in there and made these repairs to ensure that the lock is working as it should.
"The problem may only have been as simple as a damaged bolt but the repair was far from straightforward. Imagine trying to carry out repairs to your car when you're in full diving gear surrounded by cold water, it's no mean feat. Although the water was really clear, visibility would still have been far from perfect so the divers did a great job and it's brilliant that the lock is now back to its best."