ENGINEERS working for the Canal & River Trust are carrying out repairs seven days a week in order to re-open Lock 16 on the Kennet & Avon Canal in time for Easter.
The project, near Semington dry dock, is being run by the trust after an inspection over the festive period revealed significant damage to the wall of the canal.
The trust immediately closed the lock for emergency works, leaving some boat owners stranded on either side.
Trust engineer Neil Owen said: “We’d planned to repair the lock walls in January, but once we’d drained the water from the canal it became clear that the job at hand was more significant than we first thought.
“Our engineers are working non-stop to rebuild the wall of the canal and we’re aiming to get it reopened by mid-March.
“The canal is incredibly durable, considering that it is two centuries old, but this is a good example of the type of work we have to do to ensure it remains in great condition.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here