Major winter repair programme planned for West Midlands canals
Lock gates will be replaced and repairs carried out on waterways including the Stourbridge and Caldon canals as part of a major winter investment programme
A major programme of repairs and maintenance is being carried out across the West Midlands canal network this winter to help protect historic waterways for the future.
Canal & River Trust's construction team will undertake essential work including replacing lock gates, repairing bridges and reducing water loss.
The projects form part of a wider investment programme across England and Wales, aimed at improving the resilience of the country's more than 250-year-old canal network.
Following an exceptionally dry summer, the charity says maintaining reliable water supplies and tackling ageing infrastructure are key priorities.
In the West Midlands, work will include replacing top and bottom lock gates at Hatton Locks on the Grand Union Canal and Curdworth Locks on the Birmingham & Fazeley Canal.
On the Caldon Canal in Staffordshire, a section of an historic wall supporting the towpath will be repaired.
Further work on the Coventry Canal and Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal will aim to reduce water seepage through canal banks and lock chambers.
Repairs will also be carried out to lock infrastructure on the Stourbridge Canal, while essential work at River Lock in Stratford-upon-Avon will help ensure it continues to operate safely.
Henriette Breukelaar, Midlands director at Canal & River Trust, said: "Our canals play an important role in communities across the West Midlands, providing spaces for recreation, supporting wildlife and connecting people with their local heritage.
"This winter, we're delivering a significant programme of investment to strengthen the resilience of the network, improve water resilience and ensure our canals remain open and operational for the future."
She said the work would help safeguard the waterways against the impacts of climate change while preserving them for future generations.
Some temporary closures will be necessary while repairs are carried out, but the charity said scheduling the work during the quieter winter months would help minimise disruption for boaters and local communities.
The programme forms part of the trust's ongoing work to maintain the historic canal network for boaters, wildlife, businesses and local communities.