THERE ARE GREAT CONCERNS that the Somerset canals locks are in a desperate state.
And urgently need attention, Janet Friend reports.
Could fail without investment
With the Help Our Canal campaign telling that several key lock systems on both the Bridgwater and Taunton canals in Somerset could fail without investment.
The locks that are in dire need of attention are Lower Maunsel Lock, (Image by Canal & River Trust) Higher Maunsel Lock and Firepool Lock.
Georgina Hooper, who leads the community campaign explained:
"Without locks, the canals die because they silt up, you don't get any movement of boats. It's going to effect all the biodiversity we have."
In reply a Canal & River Trust spokesman told:
An asset
"It is an asset for the local community—working heritage still serving local people as it has been for the past two centuries.
"But, in being so old, the canal requires constant care and attention. Our commitment to the canal is reflected by the planned repairs and ongoing maintenance programme by our charity, which includes the work of our amazing volunteers."
But the campaign is trying to raise awareness for people to actually make sure that we keep our canals because our locks desperately need replacing.