A visit on Sunday 3rd February 2002
An intrepid group from the Wilts and Berks Canal Society ventured North on a wet windy weekend in February to visit the
Anderton Lift and Ribble Link, then the Avon aqueduct, transhipment
basin and Falkirk tunnel on the Union Canal and finally, the Wheel. This is
where I met them and I was glad to be able to take them to the best vantage
points (we couldn't get access to the site itself) and explain a bit about our
magnificent Millennium Link project. As boaters, we were all concerned about the
safety aspect of operating the paddle gear on the staircase and I have advised
BW Scotland of our concerns. See what you think!
As well as having concerns about the problems
getting safe access to the paddle gear, there is the problem of how you close a
paddle of this design quickly in an emergency. Then there is the question of how
long the bottom lock actually is between the bottom gates and the enormous cill
and will there be enough water over that cill to allow boats to get from one
lock to another? Questions, questions. Oh how I wish BW, Scotland, would
answer me!
I am grateful to Orph Mable for
sending me the following photos and giving me permission to put them on my web
site. It was good to meet Orph, Jan, Richard and Chris and we look forward to
continuing the conversation at Huddersfield
From the top basin, the view through the tunnel |
The paddle gear on the top lock of the staircase - you will have to lean
over a very deep lock to operate the gear!
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The paddle gear viewed from the other side of the lock - it doesn't look any
better from here.
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The gate obviously feels the cold as it has been covered in carpet to keep
it warm. Unless it is to prevent it being damaged by approaching boats? Or
even to keep the wood wet - in our climate?? |
The lovely matting which is used to hold the earth in place and encourage
plant growth. Just waiting to catch the unwary prop!
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The traffic lights at the end of the tunnel
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The new swing bridge across the Forth and Clyde canal. This will give access
from the tow path to the wheel site. |
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