At Gallows Reach a further stretch of piling was completed after two attempts had to be cancelled due to heavy rain and unsafe ground conditions. Approx. 40 meters has now been completed. The towpath wall is nearing completion, more bricks have been sourced from Summerhill site to complete this job.
At Lock 24, along Tamworth Road, the wing wall has now been taken down to ground level and the bricks removed for recycling. Preparatory work has started on the circular weir, this will enable the towpath to be diverted up and over the top of the weir. The retaining wall between the new footpath diversion and the field has been completed and has been planted up with hedging. The entrance from cricket lane down to lock 24 has been reduced in height and a hard subbase been laid to enable safe turning off of cricket lane into the roadway leading to lock 24, whilst doing this work another manhole has been exposed. Three trees have been cut down to enable the route of the canal to be exposed and defined. The kerb height at the end of the footpath has been reduced in height allowing for better access.
We're sorry to see old lock 24 go, but needs must, or boats will be heading into the cottage. It was tight before (see map below) but now the the channel will continue at a lower level until the other side of Cricket Lane to avoid a hump-back bridge. The bricks will be reused if possible.
Adrian taking out the towpath-side wall. Many thanks to TJC Plant Group Ltd for the loan of the breaker.
