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Lock-gate expert makes the grade for Cambridge
A waterways restoration expert, based in Yorkshire, has won a contract to make new lock gates for a Grade II-listed lock on the River Cam, in Cambridge.
Hargreaves Lock Gates, based in Halifax, has been commissioned to replace all four of Jesus Green lock's leaky wooden gates, hewn from European oak.
The lock, which dates back to the 1830s, lies in a conservation area which forms a gateway to the middle section of the river, known as College Backs.
The existing oak gates were built in 1981 but now have significant leaks. Hargreaves staff are working with Cam Conservancy to drain the
lock before removing the gates using a tracked-crane, to protect surrounding parkland.
The gates will be taken to Hargreaves' workshops, in Halifax, where they will be measured and reproduced and the ironwork repaired.
The new gates are due to be installed on July 28 and the lock is to be re-opened on July 31.
Philippa Noon, Cam Conservators river manager, said: "Conservators agreed to allocate money for this project in 2008 as part of their five-year business plan. Hargreaves were chosen because they had "the right vibe", were highly competitive and most willing to listen to our specific site requirements. They also came with a personal recommendation."
College Backs is closed to motorised vessels between April and September to protect the area for the use of punts, canoes and dinghies, which helped make the river famous.
The Environment Agency is also planning a programme of repairs to sluices on the same section of the River Cam, including the creation of an elver pass to help eels migrate upstream.
Hargreaves Lock Gates, which also makes and installs wood and wood-steel composite foot and bridle bridges, is part of Hargreaves Foundry, set up in 1896.
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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