"Mike Stevens" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: >On Thursday, January 11, 2007 3:16 AM [GMT+1=CET], >Jim Dodgen <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > >> Susan Burchett wrote: >>> Where abouts on the K & A and when? >>> A weir has collapsed below Sulhamstead >>> lock and repairs may take a time. >> >> I think we are ok, we will be hiring at Aldermaston Wharf, Padworth > >There are some very specific and unusual requirements in that area about >leaving gates open. I don't recall the details, but I expect your hire >company will tell you about them.
I'm assuming that has nothing to do with the weir collapse (?) The previous problem was that quite a few of the new gates installed when the K&A was restored were designed wrong. They were built too high, so that they could not act as weirs (as intended in the design of the waterway) if the upper pound level became too high. This could result in the upper pounds flooding over the towpath and (e.g.) into houses. So instead of fixing it easily by cutting the gates down, BW for several years insisted that all locks in this area be left empty. Now *there's* a great way of saving water (on a canal that lives by pumping). It then began installing bywashes at all these locks (which never originally had them). Now *there's* a great way to respect the heritage. This just possibly might contribute to my disdain for the general "leave 'em closed" rule. Maybe. Adrian Adrian Stott 07956-299966
