--- In [email protected], Baz Juniper <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > > On 3 Sep 2007, at 21:00, Sue Burchett wrote: > > <snip> > > > If something isn't done with the K & A soon it won't be long before > > it's a narrow canal. There are reed beds that make passing impossible. > > There have always been a few reedy bits, mostly on the Long Pound, > but it is noticeably worse this summer - much more reed and some of > it in dodgy places [inside of sharp bends]. Are there some sort of > financial restrictions ? :-) > > > Wire lock had the spill weir being repaired and the level was 18" > > down. It looked as though the level is going to be permanently > > lower, but we shall see on our return. Higgs lock had workmen > > trying to replace the landing stage, this had been completely > > washed away. I say trying, as there was a steady stream of boats > > both ways preventing any work being done. > > The landing stage has been missing for several years. For a while > there were BW signs on the lock balance beams and the towpath > advising boaters to take a stroll from the good bit of bank under the > A34 bridge. As it's an urban fringe area I expect the Newbury yoof > have dealt with those in the normal manner. > > These have been splendid trip reports, Sue - highly enjoyable. Thank > you. > > Baz > The loss of that landing stage has always made me cross! It collapsed about 5 years ago when BW had de-watered the pound to replace the gates at the lock and at that stage would have been relatively easy and cheap to repair.
But no, they can't do that can they, we have to struggle and suffer for the next 5 years while the powers that be "think" about fixing it. Sorry, mini-rant over, sound a bit like a grumpy old man which I may well be but don't want to advertise the fact! Rik
