HUNDREDS of people made their way to the Kennet and Avon Canal in Bradford on Avon over the weekend to venture into a deep, empty canal lock.

Organised by the Canal and River Trust and a volunteer working group, a section of the lock was drained to allow the working team, as well as more than 900 members of the public, to climb down into the bowels of the canal. Once the lock was drained, visitors were welcomed to step into the lock gate and walk on the 200-year-old brickwork.

Derrick Hunt, 68, of Greenland Mills, team leader of the working group, said: “It was a very successful event, having up to 900 people visit was a great result. During the time we had the lock drained we managed to remove 30 tonnes of silt from the bottom of the lock gate. We found things like bikes, motorcycles, loads of things. This was probably the first time the lock had been drained since the 1990s. For some people this would’ve been a once in a lifetime opportunity to see and explore.”

As well as the visitors on Sunday the team also welcomed more than 300 pupils from local schools.

“As well as a large number of families coming down to have a look, what was so good was the integration of the volunteers and the Canal and River Trust staff,” added Mr Hunt.

Workers at the canal are also looking at relining the bottom lock gates as well as carrying out repairs to the historic waterway.

Dale Marshall, customer operations manager for the Canal & River Trust, says: “It was fantastic to see so many people come along and learn about the vital work the Canal & River Trust is doing in Bradford on Avon, and why it’s so important.

“Repairing the lock gates and the pumps at Bradford on Avon lock is part of the essential maintenance needed to enable the local canal network to be used and enjoyed by boaters, cyclists, anglers and walkers. It’s a busy lock and last year it saw over 3,792 boats travel through it. These maintenance works will keep the lock in working order for a good many years to come.”