Misuse of locks causes expensive water erosion damage

18 January 2010

British Waterways reports that lock paddles left open overnight last week in Hanwell and Enfield by unknown people have caused thousands of pounds worth of water erosion damage.

It is thought that the lock paddles were left open to encourage water build up to break the canal ice; however the impact of the water has caused considerable amounts of damage to the towpaths and neighbouring gardens, and has also caused costly and dangerous bank and towpath erosion. The sheer volume of water caused the side ponds to overflow.

British Waterways urges all canal users to let the ice thaw naturally and to continue to operate locks as usual when they become operable again.