Charity launches fundraising appeal with an Open Day
A chance to take a look at the ‘behind the scenes’ working of Leeds river lock is being organised by the Canal and River Trust as part of its new Winter fundraising appeal to help with the charity’s annual programme of maintenance and repairs.
It aims to raise money to help cover the increasing costs associated with storm damage. Last winter alone, a succession of ‘named’ storms caused almost £10 million of additional and unforeseen repairs.
‘Britain’s ageing canals are a national treasure,’ says Richard Parry, chief executive at Canal & River Trust.
‘And whilst the canal network is cherished by today’s society, it is, however, also facing a perfect storm, with costs rising and support from government reducing.’
‘As we head into winter, we’re bracing ourselves for more costly damage from extreme weather but also working to make these aged former transport routes, and the wildlife they support, as resilient as possible.’
‘Our specialist teams of skilled workers and volunteers will be giving long hours, carrying out heritage conservation works, and fighting to respond to the storms that are becoming ever more common.’
‘Keeping the canals open and safe requires millions of pounds and a year-round effort. We’re talking to government about the need for an active partnership, and we’re calling on people to donate and help us safeguard our canals and rivers for the future.’
The Canal and River Trust is started work on a winter programme of conservation work at 159 sites across England and Wales. More than 120 new lock gates will be installed. Each of them have been handcrafted in the charity’s specialist workshops.
Fixing leaks and inspections to the ageing infrastructure
Other work includes masonry repairs to centuries-old bridges and tunnels alongside the fixing of leaks and inspections to the ageing infrastructure.
The charity says it’s using innovative techniques and materials to make the canals stronger and more resilient.
‘Built by hand around 250 years ago, our amazing historic waterways require constant maintenance,’ explains Dan Timbers who is overseeing the repair programme. He’s the Trust’s Project Manager.
‘The condition and effectiveness of this lock has been deteriorating over several years and now requires urgent and important repairs to be carried out.’
‘We are carrying out important repairs to help reduce the loss of water from the lock chamber which makes it difficult for boaters to raise the levels in the lock and loses valuable water from the canal to the river.’
‘Taking place during the winter months, when the waterfront area will be quieter, we aim to minimise impact on the local community and boaters and are keen to reopen the navigation and footbridge as soon as possible.’
The network spans an incredible 2,000 miles across England and Wales with 320 miles of it centred around the Yorkshire & North East region.
It dates back to the 18th century and the start of the Industrial Revolution where they were used to transport heavy cargo.
Transporting goods along the River Aire
The Leeds River Lock was built in the mid-1770s and is situated at the end of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal basin in Granary Wharf. The canal allowed for goods to be transported down the River Aire before heading onto ports along the east coast.
The canal’s architecture lead to it being awarded Grade II Listed Status and Protection by Historic England in 1993.
The Canal and River Trust is draining the lock to enable repairs to be carried out to both sets of wooden lock gates, the lock floor, stop plank grooves, ground paddles and the lock walls.
The national canal network is now busier than ever – with people heading to the canals at a rate of more than 10 million visits every fortnight.
The Leeds River Lock Open Day is taking place on Saturday 30 November. It’s running from 1000 to 1400. Other Winter Open Days are running at the Kennet and Avon Canal along with the Grand Union Canal.
Visitors will be able to see firsthand the work being undertaken to keep canals open and alive, hear from one of the charity’s heritage experts, meet the Trust’s team, find out local volunteering opportunities and how to make the most of your local waterway.
The charity there are thousands of centuries-old hand-crafted bridges, locks, tunnels, embankments and aqueducts which need action to ensure that they aren’t irreparably damaged by climate change.
