Tuel Lane Lock: Appeal to keep UK's deepest lock working
Yorkshire’s canals have been ferrying traffic for up to 250 years, but volunteers are being sought to help with the maintenance of a much younger structure.
Tuel Lane Lock in Sowerby Bridge is the deepest canal lock in the UK – an impressive feat of engineering, lowering and raising boats almost 20ft – but it has only been around for 30 years, having replaced two original locks in 1996.
Now Canal & River Trust, the UK’s largest waterways charity, is appealing for more volunteer lock keepers to help navigation through the lock which on the Rochdale Canal in West Yorkshire.
Tuel Lane Lock was constructed during the final stages of the Rochdale Canal restoration project and officially opened in May 1996.
It lock has welcomed thousands of boaters over the past three decades and remains a popular destination for visitors and canal enthusiasts.
Mickie O’Hara, volunteer team leader at Canal & River Trust, explained the need for new volunteers
“Because of its depth and unique design, Tuel Lane Lock can only be operated by trained volunteer lock keepers,” he said.
“Currently, we have a team of volunteers who operate the lock on Fridays, Sundays and Mondays but we would like to be able to operate it on more days, and we need more volunteer lock keepers to help us to do that.
“We’re looking for keen people who are willing to commit a day or two of their time. No prior experience is needed, just a love of our historic waterways. Comprehensive training by an experienced volunteer or member of staff will be provided until you are comfortable with the lock operation.”
In addition to volunteer lock keepers, the trust is also seeking volunteers in Hebden Bridge to assist with water conservation measures on the Rochdale Canal during the current drought conditions.
Mickie added: “To prevent significant water shortages like those experienced on the Rochdale Canal during last year’s unprecedented drought, we have started to padlock some locks overnight to help conserve water and enable navigation.”
As part of these measures, several locks will be closed and secured each evening from 6pm.
To help with this, the trust is recruiting volunteers to undertake an evening cycling role along the canal towpath, helping lock up the locks, supporting boaters and reporting any issues along the route.
Volunteers will cycle between locks on the picturesque stretch of canal through Hebden Bridge, acting as ambassadors for the trust while helping to minimise water loss. Training will be provided, along with a safety helmet and use of the trust’s equipped bicycle.
Sean McGinley, regional director at Canal & River Trust, said: "The Rochdale Canal is a well-loved and well-used waterway but caring for it requires the support of dedicated volunteers.
“Volunteers contribute thousands of hours each year helping to maintain waterways, support visitors and protect the canal network. Their contribution enables us to keep canals open, care for our heritage structures and provide welcoming places."
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