OnTheCut

Repairs to Ratcliffe Lock 58 are taking place as part of the winter stoppage programme.Details of this stoppage can be found by following the link below.https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/notices/25367-lock-58-ratcliffe-lock-upstream-of-bridge-46a-near-ratcliffe-on-soar

Temporary repairs have been carried out by the local team, which are intended to keep the lock operational until the winter stoppage programme of 2023, when these works have been provisionally planned to take place.

In the meantime, please proceed with care through the lock. To improve the operation of the lock and help reduce the likelihood of further damage, we recommend that you shut the towpath, top side, gate first and then shut the off-side gate. This will create a tighter lock seal and result in easier lock operation.

We will update the website as soon as we have more information about the planned winter stoppage programme.

We can now advise that a stoppage is provisionally planned in for 2023 winter stoppage programme. Updates on this will come out later in the year.

Please continue to proceed with caution.

The gate is secured in the cup, but the cup has sank.

The lock can now be operated, but boaters are asked to use with caution.

We have managed to clear a large amount of debris from the cill, which has improved things.

A stoppage will still be required in the future and we will update the website once this is planned in.

Our maintenance team are now on site and assessing the full extent of the damage and what repairs are needed. We will soon have an update on time scale for when they will have the lock working again.

There is some concerning misinformation circulating that the lock is repaired and open. This is NOT the case. The lock gates are not positioned correctly in the quoin cups and unauthorised use is dangerous. Please do not be tempted to attempt passage through the lock until notified by us that the repair is complete.

Our engineering team are working in the background drawing up plans for a safe repair and our construction team are on site this morning.

Although it appears there is no work going on, in the background contractors, plant and machinery required have been arranged and are being mobilised to site. As we are dependent on this machinery coming from a variety of locations it takes time to get it to site and set up. We are working as quickly as possible to reopen the navigation.

We share the frustrations of our boating customers and thank you for your continued support and understanding.

Kind regards

Dan Whyment

Regional Operations Manager

Unfortunately, the combination of the build-up of silt and to much force being used to operate the lock, has meant one of the lock gates is now very badly damaged, which means the lock can no longer be operated.

We are awaiting a full assessment of the damage caused and an update on when the required works can begin. The site will most likely need to be re-dredged and the lock gate repaired by our maintenance team.

We do not currently have a time scale with regards how quickly we can carry out these required works, but as soon as we have more information, we will update the website.

Boaters cannot currently operate this lock.