Cheshire West and Chester Council and British Waterways say they are seeking urgent talks with the government over funding for repairs to the Sutton Weaver swing bridge on the A56 near Frodsham.

According to British Waterways, which owns the 90-year-old structure, the bridge will soon need major re-strengthening work at a cost . . . → Read More: Funds sought for Sutton Weaver bridge repairs near Frodsham]]> 11 Jan 2012

Cheshire West and Chester Council and British Waterways say they are seeking urgent talks with the government over funding for repairs to the Sutton Weaver swing bridge on the A56 near Frodsham.

According to British Waterways, which owns the 90-year-old structure, the bridge will soon need major re-strengthening work at a cost of £4m.

The council said it can meet its share of the bill but British Waterways is struggling to find the balance.Both organisations are seeking a meeting with the Department of the Environment Farming and Rural Affairs, which funds British Waterways.

According to the council the bridge is used by around 20,000 vehicles a day and is on a diversion route when the M56 westbound is blocked.

Cllr Lynn Riley, executive member, community and environment, said: “The bridge plays a vital role in the local transport system – not least as a motorway release valve – and we are deeply concerned about the current situation.

“We are working closely with British Waterways on the issue and hope that a joint approach to Government will provide the help needed to address what could well prove to be a major problem.”

via > News > Extra cash needed for Sutton Weaver bridge repairs – Place North West.

British Waterways has drained the Grade I listed structure for maintenance revealing the bottom of the Leeds-Liverpool Canal . . . → Read More: Visitors to get rare glimpse of Bingley engineering masterpiece]]> Tuesday 10th January 2012 in Aire Valley

Visitors to Bingley’s world-famous Five Rise Locks will this month get a rare glimpse of parts of the engineering masterpiece normally hidden underwater.

British Waterways has drained the Grade I listed structure for maintenance revealing the bottom of the Leeds-Liverpool Canal and the impressive 23ft high brick walls that line it.

The work, which includes replacing four of the six gates on the 18th century structure to improve safety, is expected to cost £250,000 and is likely to take seven weeks to complete.

Peter Carter, construction supervisor for the Bingley lock gate replacement project, said: “Every time we get in to the bottom of the locks it is fascinating to see what our ancestors did.

“We are using hydraulic cranes to lift the gates but they just had A frames, block and tackles, shovels and picks. We are working on something that is part of our history and that is what me and the team love about it.”

The existing lock gates have been in place for 25 years. They will be replaced by new oak gates made at Stanley Ferry Workshop in Wakefield – one of only two lock gate workshops in the country.

The water is being kept out of the lock chamber while the gates are removed using stop planks laid on top of each other to form a watertight seal. This will also enable the team to carry out repairs to the lock chamber brickwork, using traditional lime mortar to preserve the heritage of the structure.

The towpath will be kept open during much of the maintenance but will be closed at short notice when the three-and-a-half tonne lock gates are removed and replaced using the giant cranes.

It will take two days to replace all four lock gates using two cranes located at the top and bottom of the flight of locks.

The cranes cost £4,000 per day to hire and are so heavy the towpath walls have been reinforced with 85 tonnes of stone ballast to take the weight. They are fitted with an instrument to measure wind speed and will shut down automatically if gusts get too strong.

To prevent water levels dropping further down the canal, a pump will feed eight mega-litres of water every day from the top end of the locks in to a by-wash, which flows in to the canal at the bottom of the lock and on to Leeds.

An open weekend will take place on January 28 and 29 from 10am to 3pm, when there will be a chance to descend deep into the lock to walk along the canal bottom and speak with British Waterways experts.

Mr Carter added: “These works usually happen on closed sites but we’re inviting local people to come and discover what’s going on at Bingley.

“It’s skilful work and the tours will give visitors an opportunity to learn more about what we do in winter to maintain good navigation for our boating customers.”

Bingley Five Rise Locks were built by John Longbotham and are one of the major landmarks of the national waterway network.

When completed in 1774, thousands gathered to watch the first boats make the 60 foot descent, which can take up to 90 minutes.

More than 200 years later, the flight is still in daily use providing access to a 16 mile stretch of lock-free cruising on the Leeds-Liverpool Canal.

e-mail: kathryn.bradley @telegraphandargus.co.uk

A section of the Leeds & Liverpool Canal in Leigh, Greater Manchester, has been adopted by an organisation providing skills and training for employment.

People who are in treatment for substance abuse, or have recently completed their treatment, will have the chance to volunteer on the canal and learn skills to improve . . . → Read More: Canal adoption offers skills for work]]> 19th Oct 2011

A section of the Leeds & Liverpool Canal in Leigh, Greater Manchester, has been adopted by an organisation providing skills and training for employment.

People who are in treatment for substance abuse, or have recently completed their treatment, will have the chance to volunteer on the canal and learn skills to improve their employability. The volunteers will come from the PETE Project, run by Work Solutions, which helps unemployed people back into work.

As part of the adoption programme, Work Solutions will help maintain about a mile of the Leeds & Liverpool Canal, running between the town of Leigh and the junction of the Bridgewater Canal.

Improving the canal environment

British Waterways volunteer leader Hazel Mayow says the ‘adoption’ will involve undertaking practical days sprucing up the canalside environment in addition to regularly monitoring its condition.

“We are already planning a hands-on launch for October which will involve a monthly clean-up event. We hope the adoption will help keep the towpath safe and welcoming for the local community to use at the same time as providing an opportunity for the group to get out and learn new skills whilst enjoying the canal environment,” said Hazel.

via Canal adoption offers skills for work | News | Waterscape.

British Waterways has awarded a national dredging contract to marine-based civil engineer Land & Water Services Ltd.

The initial contract from December 2010 to March 2015, will run up to and beyond the launch of the new waterways charity which is scheduled to take over the custodianship of British Waterways’ canals and . . . → Read More: British Waterways announces national dredging contract]]> 22nd Nov 2010

British Waterways has awarded a national dredging contract to marine-based civil engineer Land & Water Services Ltd.

The initial contract from December 2010 to March 2015, will run up to and beyond the launch of the new waterways charity which is scheduled to take over the custodianship of British Waterways’ canals and rivers in 2012.

The amount spent on dredging in each of the next two financial years is forecast to increase to £5m, and the award of a single national contract to Land & Water will allow British Waterways to deliver more dredging for the investment available.

Dredging priorities for 2011 are likely to include the Leeds & Liverpool Canal between Farnhill and Bingley, stretches of the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal and the Aylesbury Arm of the Grand Union Canal.

More…..via British Waterways announces national dredging contract | News | Waterscape.

After a competitive tendering process, British Waterways (BW) has awarded a national dredging contract to marine-based civil engineer Land & Water Services Ltd. The initial contract from December 2010 to March 2015, will run up to and beyond the launch of the new waterways charity which is scheduled to take over the . . . → Read More: BW Announces National Dredging Contract]]> November 21st 2010

After a competitive tendering process, British Waterways (BW) has awarded a national dredging contract to marine-based civil engineer Land & Water Services Ltd. The initial contract from December 2010 to March 2015, will run up to and beyond the launch of the new waterways charity which is scheduled to take over the custodianship of BW’s canals and rivers in 2012.

Increasing the forecast spend on dredging in each of the next two financial years to £5m, the award of a single national contract to Land & Water will allow BW to deliver more dredging for the investment available. Whilst still to be finalised, 2011 dredging priorities are likely to include the Leeds & Liverpool Canal between Farnhill and Bingley, stretches of the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal and the Aylesbury Arm of The Grand Union Canal.

Ian Marmont, national dredging manager at BW, comments: “Funding in the public and charitable sectors over the next few years is going to be particularly tight and we must ensure that we get the absolute maximum benefit from the money available. With plans to prioritise spend on dredging in each of the next two years, this national contract with Land & Water is welcome news for the waterways and those that use and enjoy them.”

James Maclean, Managing Director of Land & Water Services Ltd comments: “This single-source contract award is a reflection of the long-term partnership we have been developing and investing in with British Waterways for more than 15 years. We have always believed in the philosophy of ‘working together’ and we welcome the incentives in our new contract to find ever-greater efficiencies, increase recycling opportunities, and reduce the environmental impact of our joint operations. This longer-term commitment provides us with a trigger for further investment in vessels and technologies that will ultimately benefit the UK’s canals and rivers in the longer term. We are grateful indeed for this opportunity.”

The recent installation of a lock landing stage at Isis Lock has been carried out by British Waterways to protect the waterway wall from damage by boat impact and improve safety. The landing stage was constructed and installed with Environment Agency consent, and in consultation with local boaters.

The British Waterways team . . . → Read More: British Waterways issues statement about Isis Lock]]> 16th Nov 2010

The recent installation of a lock landing stage at Isis Lock has been carried out by British Waterways to protect the waterway wall from damage by boat impact and improve safety. The landing stage was constructed and installed with Environment Agency consent, and in consultation with local boaters.

The British Waterways team worked closely with a local boating business, College Cruisers, and other boaters including representatives from the Oxford IWA Branch to gather feedback to help assist in the decisions to construct the final structure. Following feedback generated by local boaters, the length of the landing stage was increased.

Since installation, British Waterways has agreed to make some alterations to the design of the structure. These will enable boats to ‘nose into’ the pontoon structure to aid with specific boaters turning preferences, and a gate and hand rail will also be installed to further improve safety for users of the new lock landing.

A second stage of the works around Isis Lock has seen the installation of a number of piles near the entrance to Castle Mill Stream. These piles will be linked by a ‘string’ of booms. The purpose of these piles is to prevent access by illegal overstaying boats, prevalent in this area, as well as preventing larger craft from being swept down the stream and towards the weir. Again practical testing on-site was undertaken with local boaters, and the location of the piles was amended following their suggestions to the project team.

Jeff Whyatt, British Waterways’ senior manager, said: “The safety improvements at the area around Isis Lock have been delivered in partnership with the Environment Agency, and with input from local boaters. The installation of the piles has caused some concern to a small number of boaters and their complaint is being investigated via British Waterways’ formal complaints procedure.

“Some of the comments and complaints we have received have made us aware that sometimes boats may be using this water at a time when there are high flow or flood warnings – at a time when the Environment Agency advises against navigation. We recommend all river users to follow the Environment Agency’s important safety advice. British Waterways will continue to work with the Agency to alert river users to changing conditions.”

Gail Bradstock, a Waterways Manager at the Environment Agency, said: “Any planned structures on Environment Agency designated waters require our consent. The alterations proposed will not impact on the consent granted to British Waterways.”

via British Waterways issues statement about Isis Lock | News | Waterscape.

The Yorkshire Evening Post reports:

A £50 million makeover of dozens of historic locks, bridges and aqueducts is to be opened to the public to give people a “behind-the-scenes” look at Britain’s canal network, British Waterways said today.

The restoration programme this winter includes the hanging of more than 100 handcrafted oak . . . → Read More: British Waterways: £50m restoration on canal network to show heritage]]> 11 November 2010

The Yorkshire Evening Post reports:

A £50 million makeover of dozens of historic locks, bridges and aqueducts is to be opened to the public to give people a “behind-the-scenes” look at Britain’s canal network, British Waterways said today.

The restoration programme this winter includes the hanging of more than 100 handcrafted oak lock gates, as part of the essential maintenance of the country’s canals – an important example of working industrial heritage.

The public will be able to see restoration work carried out on the network through a series of open days at sites including the Anderton boat lift, Cheshire, Caen Hill lock flight in Wiltshire and the Lune aqueduct, Lancashire.

British Waterways, which is set to become a “national trust for waterways” after a Government decision to move it into the charity sector, looks after the third largest collection of listed structures in the UK.

The organisation said the open days would provide people with an opportunity to see the hidden workings of the canal structures as the water is drained away, and to find out more about the history and maintenance of waterways.

The public is also being given the opportunity to visit British Waterways’ specialist lock gate workshops at Bradley, West Midlands, and Stanley Ferry in Yorkshire, where more than 100 bespoke lock gates have been handmade for this winter’s restoration programme.

Each lock gate weighs 3.6 tonnes on average and is made by craftsman who take up to 20 days to finish each gate.

Vince Moran, British Waterways’ operations director, said: “The recent announcement that England and Wales’ canals and rivers are to become part of a new ‘national trust’ for the waterways will give the public a much greater role in looking after this important part of the nation’s heritage.

“I hope opening up some of our lock gate replacements and other repairs will give people a chance to see the scale of the work we do to ensure that the waterways are preserved for today’s users and future generations, as well as gain an appreciation for the magnificent industrial heritage in our care.”

British Waterways spends around £100 million each year to maintain its 2,200-mile inland waterway network.

via British Waterways: £50m restoration on canal network to show heritage – Yorkshire Evening Post.

4th Nov 2010

As part of its scheduled move to the charitable sector, British Waterways has been developing its volunteer programme to improve the volunteering experience for those donating their time and increase the value they bring to the nation’s canals.

Integral to the plans has been the recruitment of . . . → Read More: British Waterways ‘unlocks’ the potential of volunteering]]>

4th Nov 2010

As part of its scheduled move to the charitable sector, British Waterways has been developing its volunteer programme to improve the volunteering experience for those donating their time and increase the value they bring to the nation’s canals.

Integral to the plans has been the recruitment of five dedicated volunteer managers, implementation of a company-wide training programme and an overhaul of British Waterways’ online communication with both existing and potential volunteers.

In the past six months British Waterways has recruited its team of volunteer leaders to liaise with partner groups and manage the many enthusiasts volunteering across the waterways. The dedicated resource allows volunteers to have closer contact with British Waterways staff in a much broader range of locations and roles and gives greater scope to develop both new and existing projects.

The organisation will be implementing a company-wide training and communications programme over the next six months to increase awareness of the importance of volunteers to the canal network and the opportunities that the waterways provide to volunteers.

As more British Waterways staff than ever are working closely with volunteers – from community canal wardens to web developers and even a lawyer – the organisation will be running in-depth volunteer management training to ensure both staff and volunteers are confident in the relationship.

Accessible volunteering

British Waterways is aiming to make volunteering as accessible as possible to a wide audience and work continues on developing the volunteering sections of the organisation’s corporate and consumer facing websites. Both sites now offer comprehensive information on volunteering opportunities, including details of roles currently available. Waterscape also celebrates volunteer achievements through volunteer case studies and blogs, and provides information on different initiatives such as community or corporate canal adoptions.

Nigel Johnson, corporate services director at BW, said: “This is a really exciting time for British Waterways and our volunteers, who will have a greater role than ever in the running of their local canal or river. With our goal of forming a new ‘national trust’ for the waterways ratified by government, this offers a window on to the future of how we can work with volunteers as a charity, and the changing and expanding nature of volunteering across our canals and rivers. As we grow as a volunteering organisation we want to ensure that our staff and volunteers work side by side to achieve the best possible results for British Waterways and for themselves.”

via British Waterways ‘unlocks’ the potential of volunteering | News | Waterscape.

21st Oct 2010

The latest in a programme of towpath repairs along picturesque Llangollen Canal has made access easier for visitors within the World Heritage Site, improving access to Horseshoe Falls.

The improvements are part the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct & Canal Project, a dynamic partnership comprising British Waterways, Northern Marches Cymru, Wrexham County . . . → Read More: Improved access on the Llangollen Canal]]>

21st Oct 2010

The latest in a programme of towpath repairs along picturesque Llangollen Canal has made access easier for visitors within the World Heritage Site, improving access to Horseshoe Falls.

The improvements are part the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct & Canal Project, a dynamic partnership comprising British Waterways, Northern Marches Cymru, Wrexham County Borough Council and Cadwyn Clwyd.

The project came from a strong desire for community involvement when the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct & the Llangollen Canal were given World Heritage Status in 2009.

Community engagement has been at the heart of the project from the outset and the Shropshire Union Canal Society has linked in by installing benches in the locality, enabling visitors to rest and absorb the stunning views.

The Government last week gave the go ahead to move British Waterways’ canals and rivers in England & Wales into the third sector as a new ‘national trust’ for the waterways. The plan builds on British Waterways’ own proposals to safeguard the future of the historic waterways and encourage greater community involvement through initiatives such as the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct & Canal Project which has already delivered:

* Environmental & wildlife audits of the 11-mile corridor, including trees, birds and mammals;

* Wildlife habitat creation schemes to encourage colonisation by native species;

* Formation of ‘Aqueducks’ the friends of Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Llangollen Canal;

* Maintenance and upkeep initiatives across the canal corridor

* Heritage walks showcasing the rich legacy of Thomas Telford’s Industrial Revolution masterpiece;

* Community arts projects involving people of all ages and backgrounds;

* Formation of biodiversity volunteer groups.

“Community participation has been at the heart of this project from the outset, so it is fitting we hand over a vibrant and dynamic shared vision when the project officially ends next year,” said community development officer, Piers Warburton, who is leading the project.

“We have engaged with everyone from businesses to schools, retired individuals to interest groups, offering them opportunities to learn new skills and enrich their lives,” said Piers.

“We want to leave a healthy community legacy based on the abundant heritage and wide biodiversity of this history rich area,” he added.

via Improved access on the Llangollen Canal | News | Waterscape.

Friday, 15, Oct 2010 09:09

By Ian Dunt

A long-awaited review into health and safety is set to encourage a return to “commons sense” when it is published later today.

Lord Young, trade and industry secretary under Margaret Thatcher, was asked to carry out the review in June, but his opinions on . . . → Read More: The End of Health and Safety Nonsense?]]>

Friday, 15, Oct 2010 09:09

By Ian Dunt

A long-awaited review into health and safety is set to encourage a return to “commons sense” when it is published later today.

Lord Young, trade and industry secretary under Margaret Thatcher, was asked to carry out the review in June, but his opinions on the subject are already well known and analysts expect a report encouraging a return to ‘common sense’ assumptions about relative risk.

“We live in a world which is slowly going mad – with people banned from doing quite innocuous things,” he told Sky News earlier this month.

David Cameron is known to be an advocate of reducing the number of health and safety regulations in the UK.

The prime minister was not averse to mocking health and safety regulation in speeches as opposition leader, repeatedly laughing at a story of school boys being asked to play conkers wearing goggles in case they damage their eyes.

The ‘Common Sense, Common Safety’ review will also look at ‘compensation culture’ and guidelines governing school trips.

Many of the workplace rules which so infuriate employees are a result of insurance company conditions rather than actual regulation, however, leaving many experts to predict that Lord Young will have a tougher task on his hands than he expects in making significant changes to British work life.

via The end of ‘nonsense’: Health and safety review due – politics.co.uk.