Divers complete repairs on 183-year-old lock

An 183-year-old lock has reopened to the public after specialist divers carried out essential work.

A faulty paddle on Bevere Lock in Worcester was preventing it from filling properly, the Canal and River Trust said, which was impacting boaters travelling between Stourport and Gloucester.

The repairs were "particularly challenging" because work needed to be carried out underwater before the paddle was lifted out for further work before being put back in place.

The lock, one of four on the River Severn built between 1843 and 1845, was drained for the eight-week project, the trust said.

Rob Labus, a contract manager at the trust, said the teams worked hard to carry out the repairs and reopen the lock.

"The locks on the River Severn play a vital role in supporting navigation," he said.

"Given their age, and the increasing challenges posed by climate change and extreme weather, it is essential that our charity is able to continue to invest in their maintenance so they can serve boaters and local communities for many years to come."

In 2020, a 100m fish pass was built alongside the lock and weir as part of a project to help fish find a safe route upstream during their annual migration.

The work was carried out at the same time as a £355,000 scheme to repair the top and bottom oak gates at the Diglis Small Lock in Worcester took place.

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